Twitter handle: @BradBanks7

The legend of Brad Banks is one that will never be forgotten to Hawkeye fans. He came to Iowa lightly recruited out of Hinds Junior College where he initially played Wide Receiver before switching to Quarterback. When he joined the Hawkeyes, Banks played in 10 games but was never able to crack the starting lineup. His Senior season, Banks was at the helm of one of the most special seasons in Hawkeye history. It started out like any other season with a game against a MAC opponent, this time Akron, before the Hawkeyes would play Iowa State in the third game of the season. In a battle of Quarterbacks, unfortunately Banks came out on the losing end to Seneca Wallace. That would be the only loss of the regular season for Iowa and along the way Banks would set Hawkeye records for rushing yards by a Quarterback (423), completion percentage (100%: 10-10 vs. Northwestern), as well as setting the 2nd best passing touchdown total (26), the 3rd best total offense (2996) and the 9th best season total for yards (2573). The Hawkeyes would tie the Ohio State Buckeyes for a share of the Big Ten title, as due to the schedule, they were not afforded the opportunity to play each other to earn it outright. When the season ended, Banks led the nation in passing efficiency with a 157.1 rating. He would be named 1st Team All-Big Ten, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, 2nd team All-American and would take home the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s best Quarterback. He was also invited to the Downtown Athletic Club for the Heisman Trophy presentation, but would finish runner-up to Carson Palmer from USC. Who, it turned out, was the Iowa opponent in the Orange Bowl. The Hawkeyes were outmatched in the Bowl game, but the season was still widely considered one of the best of the Kirk Ferentz era. When his collegiate career ended, Banks signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent but was released before playing with the team. The next season Banks went North of the border and joined the Canadian Football League, signing with the Ottawa Renegades in 2004. He remained with the team through the 2005 season, serving as the backup Quarterback. In 2006, Banks signed with the the Winnipeg BlueBombers and then the following season moved on to the Montreal Alouettes where he remained for two seasons, playing sparingly for both teams. He was out of football in 2009 but attempted to come back in 2010, signing with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League. He was released before the season started and in 2011 he returned to the state of Iowa and signed with the Barnstormers. He took over the starting Quarterback spot and led the team with 82 passing touchdowns and just under 4000 yards passing to go along with his 11 rushing touchdowns. Unfortunately, those stats did not translate to wins. After their 2011 season came to an end he was named Offensive MVP of the team.