{"id":593012,"date":"2026-04-09T18:19:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T18:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/593012\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T18:19:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T18:19:13","slug":"running-back-whos-three-way-threat-will-have-nfl-draft-visit-with-packers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/593012\/","title":{"rendered":"Running Back Who\u2019s Three-Way Threat Will Have NFL Draft Visit with Packers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"inline-text-0\" class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6g\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-1\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6j\">New Mexico running back Damon Bankston, a dynamic three-way threat, is scheduled to have an NFL Draft visit with the Green Bay Packers,<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TomSilverstein\/status\/2042291044411171147\" rel=\"nofollow\"> according to Tom Silverstein<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-2\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6m\">After four seasons at Weber State, an FCS-level school, Bankston moved up a rung and joined New Mexico for his final season. He rushed for 635 yards (5.6 average) and five touchdowns, caught 31 passes for 397 yards and three touchdowns and averaged 36.2 yards per kickoff return with two touchdowns.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-3\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6p\">That\u2019s 10 touchdowns.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-4\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6s\">\u201cA lot of people make teams in the NFL on special teams,\u201d<a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/three-standouts-two-takeaways-one-030700487.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> he said at pro day<\/a>. \u201cJust having the opportunity to showcase that I could return kicks \u2014 you know, every team needs a good returner. Being able to show that and also show that I can play punt return \u2026 it\u2019s huge for getting to the next level.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-5\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6v\">Bankston had 113 rushing attempts for the Lobos, making him one of 52 FBS-level running backs with at least that number in this draft class. He ranked 19th with 3.49 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. Plus, he caught 32-of-37 passes with only one drop.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-6\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"6y\">\u201cI think what makes me so different is I can run between the tackles and be split out wide and still have an impact,\u201d he said at pro day.<\/p>\n<p>Athletic Credentials<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-8\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"74\">He\u2019s a bit on the small side by Green Bay\u2019s historic preferences at 5-foot-10 3\/8 and 196 pounds. With a 4.43 in the 40,<a href=\"https:\/\/ras.football\/ras-information\/?PlayerID=31974&amp;ovl=New+Mexico\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> his Relative Athletic Score was 8.15<\/a>. He\u2019s got 9 1\/2-inch hands.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-9\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"77\">In a total of five seasons, he rushed for 2,959 yards (5.9 average) and 27 touchdowns and caught 65 passes for 729 yards and four touchdowns.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-10\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7a\">\u201cI feel like I showed my quickness,\u201d he said at pro day. \u201cI showed my agility in the running back drills, showed that I can catch out of the receiver position out of the slot. So, I just showed some versatility today and that I can just do multiple things on the football field.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-11\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7d\">\u201cFrom the scouts that I have talked to, all of the conversation was good. All of them liked my versatility, and that\u2019s the most dynamic thing I bring to the team. God willing, I get to the next level, but it\u2019s good to come out here and finally have the day done, and we will see what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-12\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7g\">He also has intangibles.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Congratulations to our players named to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GoLobos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">#GoLobos<\/a> | \ud83d\udc3a\ud83c\udd99 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OyFg1LrgdG\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/OyFg1LrgdG<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/UNMLoboFB\/status\/2041987577029521827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">April 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-14\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7m\">At Paetow High School, he led Texas\u2019 Division 5 in rushing yards but wound up being lightly recruited because of the pandemic.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-15\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7p\">\u201cIt was stressful knowing that you told your child that if he handled his books, he had the talent and someone would see him,\u201d Bankston\u2019s father, Augustine,<a href=\"https:\/\/katytimes.com\/stories\/through-ups-and-downs-paetows-bankston-finds-home-at-weber-state,2255\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> told The Katy Times<\/a>. \u201cAnd because of COVID, it slowed up. To see it slow down, it was stressful. I could see it on him. He knew he deserved a lot, and to see him go through that \u2026 I could see him doubting if he\u2019d get a scholarship.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Fit for Packers<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-17\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7v\">The Packers have a key need in the backfield. Emanuel Wilson was not re-signed and MarShawn Lloyd missed the entire season due to injuries.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-18\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"7y\">Josh Jacobs and Chris Brooks are the only running backs under contract for the 2027 season; Jacobs is due a $12.2 million base salary and will be 29 years old.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-19\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"81\">The Packers have had two other known visits by running backs.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/packers-are-set-to-host-top-running-back-who-lit-up-nfl-combine\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Arkansas\u2019 Mike Washington<\/a>, who could be the second back off the board, was one.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/1000-yard-runner-for-national-champs-will-have-predraft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> The other was Kaelon Black<\/a>, who helped Indiana win the national championship and should be a midround choice.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-20\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"84\">By contrast, Bankston is likely to be an undrafted free agent.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-21\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"87\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/newsletter\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY PACKERS NEWSLETTER<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Packers Predraft Visits<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-23\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-primary my-f-1.5\" q:key=\"0\" q:id=\"8d\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/after-breakout-season-cornerback-will-have-predraft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Prove-it cornerback<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/most-athletic-defensive-player-in-nfl-draft-visits-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Most athletic D-lineman<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/prospect-who-was-done-with-football-having-nfl-draft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">From done to drafted?<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/packers-potential-first-pick-will-have-nfl-draft-visit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Will he be first pick?<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/from-receiver-to-star-linebacker-to-nfl-draft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Receiver to linebacker<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/1000-yard-runner-for-national-champs-will-have-predraft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Championship running back<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/consensus-all-american-pass-rusher-will-have-predraft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">All-American defensive tackle<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/packers-will-host-big-time-deep-threat-for-predraft-visit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Big-play receiver<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/tough-as-nails-college-football-playoff-quarterback-will-visit-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tough-as-nails QB<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/packers-are-set-to-host-top-running-back-who-lit-up-nfl-combine\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">A top running back<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/99th-percentile-cornerback-will-have-predraft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">99th percentile corner<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/rising-athletic-lineman-will-have-predraft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rising Big Ten blocker<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/potential-rags-to-riches-story-will-have-predraft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Walk-on to NFL<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/predraft-visitor-packers-defense-new-height\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Round 3 pass rusher<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/hard-hitting-linebacker-will-have-predraft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Hard-hitting linebacker<\/a> |<a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nfl\/packers\/onsi\/freaks-list-receiver-nfl-draft-visit-with-packers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Round 3 receiver<\/a><\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u00a0 New Mexico running back Damon Bankston, a dynamic three-way threat, is scheduled to have an NFL Draft&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":593013,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[436],"tags":[49,48,514,82],"class_list":["post-593012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-nfl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/593012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=593012"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/593012\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/593013"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=593012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=593012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=593012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}