DALLAS — Based on the players who accompanied them to SEC media days, the conference’s coaches like to present a veteran voice to the public.

Every team brought three players to the annual four-day conference. And almost every team’s contingent was made up of seniors or other players entering at least their fourth collegiate season.

But Texas did things a bit differently. Quinn Ewers was an obvious choice since the fourth-year junior is entering his third season as the Horns’ starting quarterback. Fifth-year defensive back Jahdae Barron also seemed like a simple call, especially since his experience is matched by an engaging personality.

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So why did junior left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. join his older teammates in Dallas?

“Because this is probably his last year with us,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said, flashing a grin at a small scrum of reporters before his official address to the media contingent Wednesday.

Kelvin Banks Jr.: NFL decisions can be made later

Sarkisian admitted what the cautious Banks won’t: This will almost certainly be the last collegiate season for the 6-foot-4, 324-pound offensive lineman, who is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. With his strength, athleticism, prototypical size and consistent excellence, Banks already looks like — and plays like — an NFL veteran.

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Not that he is ready to rush into any NFL talk.

“I’m just looking forward to this year and trying to be the best team that we can be,” he said, brushing off the NFL inquiries much as he would an edge rusher. “I’m not even thinking about that right now.”

Still finding ways to improve

But he is thinking about some feedback he got from professional scouts during Texas’ pro day last spring, especially since their advice jibes with his individual goals. Banks says he wants to take the next step as a coach of sorts on the field, offering advice to his mates up front while still handling his business protecting Ewers’ blind side.

“I'll say the biggest step I want to take is me being a leader, on and off the field,” Banks said. “I'm more vocal as time grew. And as I got older, I kind of started voicing my opinions on things and just trying to make my teammates better.”

According to Ewers, Banks has made the Texas offense plenty good over the past two seasons.

“It definitely helps me out a whole lot knowing that he's on my left, for sure,” Ewers said.

Banks has started for the Longhorns since he stepped onto the Texas campus in the summer of 2022 out of Atascocita High School in Humble, just north of Houston. He has yet to miss a start in his 27 career games and has earned some form of All-American honors in each of his first two seasons.

Expect more honors this year for a player who Sarkisian says serves as an example to everyone on the roster. Banks’ performance both between the lines and away from the field made him an easy choice to represent the program at SEC media days, Sarkisian said.

“I brought Kelvin because from day one he's been a model in our program of what it means to be a Longhorn,” the coach said. “His work ethic, his commitment to the program, his leadership, the way he does everything. Not only on the field, but off the field. If I can say a guy who I want you to emulate, I want you to emulate Kelvin Banks. And the way he's gone about his business has been tremendous.

“You all see the play on Saturday. I see who he is on a daily basis, and he represents us as good or better than anybody in our program.”

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Why Kelvin Banks Jr. repped Longhorns football at SEC media days