Jack Banda, a defensive end turned tight end, is back at his natural position.
A couple seasons ago, Jack Banda emerged as something of a cult hero on Arizona’s defensive line.
He came from out of nowhere to record two sacks against Colorado in 2015. Banda, a lightly-recruited kid from Georgia who was nearly cut from Arizona’s roster as a true freshman, found himself suddenly in the playing rotation.
His playing time dwindled, and Banda eventually requested a change. The senior re-emerged at a new position in last week's 63-16 win over UTEP.
Banda, now a tight end, caught a 10-yard pass from backup quarterback Donavan Tate late in the Wildcats' win. Arizona's sideline celebrated as if the Cats had just won the Super Bowl.
“Everybody lost their mind," Dawkins said. “He made a couple dudes miss and if he’d have stayed in bounds he might’ve scored or something."
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The Wildcats chanted “Banda! Banda! Banda!” in the locker room after the game.
Banda said he approached UA co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Calvin Magee about switching to tight end last week after starter Trevor Wood got hurt.
Now he’s there to stay.
“I felt like it was the best move to help the team out,” Banda said. “It felt natural.”
Banda played tight end all his life, he said, until his high school coach convinced him to play defensive end. That’s when schools, including Arizona, started taking notice.
Now he’s back to where he started, and he’ll likely receive some real playing time as soon as Friday against Utah, too. Wood is questionable to play this week and backup Jamie Nunley (shoulder) is out, leaving Arizona with freshman Bryce Wolma and redshirting freshman Bryce Gilbert at the position. Banda, listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 247 pounds, adds some size to the position. He’ll still be available on defense if needed.
“I bring physicality and consistency. I love catching the ball, making plays, hitting people,” Banda said. “I had no idea I’d be thinking that I want to switch positions after the second game. I’m just going as it is, and playing it as it goes."
