His Brandon Banks hammers for the first time as Argo back to
Memories of his time with Ticats run deep, and the friendships and relationships he built will last a lifetime.
A veteran receiver/kicking his returner, looking back, in 2013, after he joined the Ticats, Kent was one of the first players to take him from individuals who left the franchise, including Austin and Sean Burke. The call I received stands out.
He "remembers how he didn't want to compete," Banks said. He returned to the Argos training ground on Wednesday, but was left in his family's care after a team-sanctioned absence.
"I've been waiting for the NFL. I'm trying to stay healthy after hip surgery." Towards the beginning of the month, a move was made to bring him into town.
Banks knew nothing about Hamilton, and could not even find him on a map when asked.
His knowledge of his CFL was also limited.
"I learned about the Toronto Argonauts because of Ricky Williams," said Banks. "I knew the story of Rocket Ismail and that's about it. I heard about Ricky Ray, but what really cemented it [his decision to come North] was Manny Arcenaut.
After six seasons with BC, Arceneaux joined the Roughriders in 2019 and returned to the CFL this season with the Edmonton Elks. He and Banks were NFL teammates in Washington, but Arceneaux also decided to jump into his football three-down in 2013 as a way to continue his playing career.
Banks' connection to Toronto was forged when he changed into Washington for a Buffalo game against his Bills staged at the venue formerly known as the Skydome.
Banks, a native of North Carolina, packed up his car and drove to Canada when it was decided to join the Ticats.
He drove all night, but he did not know his bearings until he reached Buffalo.
"I remember being in upstate New York thinking, 'Where am I?'" Spent a night.
They had to play a game the next night at the team's temporary home, the University of Guelph.
The weather in Guelph was desolate, and the university did not boast as many state-of-the-art facilities as it does today.
"My first impression was not good," said Banks. "I didn't play that game.
"The next game was against Montreal. We had to win. I finally did a kickback to win the game. I've enjoyed it ever since, so the rest is history."
Speedy B appeared in three Gray Cup games, losing them all, but racked up countless receiving yards. and a return touchdown, and had a good time mixed with some confusing moments.
Hamilton is still dear to Banks and has a home in nearby Grimsby.
Argos is now his home as he looks to play his first game as a member of the hated Double Blues at Tim Hortons Field on Friday night.
"I couldn't have asked for more than they (Tikats and Hamilton fans) gave me," Banks said.
"They made me who I am today. Everyone knows this is my second home.
"At the end of the day, life goes on. I enjoy playing soccer and I enjoy it.This week I am going to see an old friend.
"I enjoy and enjoy the moment. is not meant to be viewed as a sad moment."
Banks knows where the visitor's locker room at Tim Hortons Field is, but admits he has never been inside.
"The Caretakers If he knows the lounge, I've never passed by it," added Banks. "You could say I'm in another dimension."
Even if he tries to enter enemy territory, he should be at home.
Whether it's the game in which he helped his Ticats win, memories will naturally come back. Banks is looking forward to seeing his fans again.
"I know exactly where some fans are sitting and who they are," he said. "That's all I know. Probably not."
It will be interesting to see how the banks react.
"You know how Hamilton fans are," he continued. "They'll give it to me. At the end of the day, they've been rooting for me at some point. I understand. They're just doing it right on the team."
Argos lead the East 4-3 with a victory over the Ticats on BMO Field last Saturday.
The 34-year-old bank is no longer a go-to option. However, Banks will return to the starting unit after Eric Rodgers injured his groin on Saturday night and then injured himself again.
He watched practice Wednesday.
"We're improving," Banks said, as he won majors in all three phases, and played with discipline to beat the Ticats 34-20. talked about "Even in practice (Wednesday) I felt better. We are getting better every day.
"I was telling the players last week, 'Forget the opponents. Please, there were too many penalties, but last week there weren't many (four total).You won't have a perfect game, but people are making their progress and liking the system.
"It looks a little. It's going to take some time."
Friday's game was the first of two visits by Argos, the second at the annual Labor Day Classic. Face off against two rivals over a culminating five-week span.
fzicarelli@postmedia.com
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