Renegades DB Korey Banks named CFL defensive player of the week
Published on August 2, 2005 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA - Renegades defensive back Korey Banks, who intercepted two passes and forced a fumble in a 21-16 Ottawa victory over Saskatchewan, was named the Rogers-CFL defensive player of the week Tuesday.
Banks, 25, recorded both of his interceptions in the first half of Friday's Week 6 win at Taylor Field. The win, which improved the Renegades to 3-3, ended a nine-year drought of Ottawa football teams losing in Regina and it was thanks in part to a defensive effort that held the Roughriders to only one touchdown on the night. The Florida native also recorded four defensive tackles and batted a pass away.
"You can mention his size, speed and even his athleticism. They are all legit. But the one thing that makes Banks different is his instincts," said Bob Krouse, a league judge on the award. "He has the ability to read routes and knows when to go to the ball. (He showed that with) two interceptions and a pass knockdown this week."
Banks continues to lead the Canadian Football League in interceptions. The second-year product of Mississippi State now has five picks for the season.
"We're really pleased with his play to date. We feel Korey is one of the top pass defenders in the league. He's one of the key elements in us making critical stops in certain zones," said Joe Paopao, the Renegades head coach and general manager. "Our defensive backs made timely stops and timely interceptions and those players were important for us. The inability for (Saskatchewan) to collect seven and settle for field goals in the first half definitely gave us a chance to win. And not only is Korey intercepting balls, but he has been effective on the runs after the interceptions, giving us good field position. We're really happy for Korey to win this award this week."
Banks joins four other teammates who have previously been named a Rogers-CFL player of the week this season. Both quarterback Kerry Joseph and running back Josh Ranek have won the offensive award. Defensive end Anthony Collier was the recipient of the lineman of the week accolade and kicker Matt Kellett was recognized for the special teams honour.
Ottawa returns to action on home turf Thursday, August 11 for a Week 8 affair against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Frank Clair Stadium. Tickets are available either at the Renegades ticket office (1015 Bank Street), on the Internet (http://www.capitaltickets.ca), by phone (613.599.3267 or 877.788.3267), any Sports Experts location in the Ottawa and Gatineau regions as well as the Corel Centre Box Office in Kanata.
Canadian Football League Stories from August 2, 2005
- Stampeders and Pepsi announce four fun packs - Calgary Stampeders
- Renegades DB Korey Banks named CFL defensive player of the week - Ottawa Renegades
- Jeanty named top lineman - Edmonton Elks
- Chris Wright dead at 32 - Montreal Alouettes
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