GAINESVILLE, Fla. — On the day that the transfer portal opened, Florida Gators redshirt senior defensive lineman Caleb Banks stole the headlines. Banks announced his intentions to return to Gainesville, putting the NFL Draft on hold for a year.

Florida Victorious spoke with Banks about his decision.

FV: What went into your decision?

Banks: You know it was a long conversation with my family. Being able to come back and play with my brothers. I honestly think that’s the main thing, just doing something great here at the University of Florida. I can see it now. That was the call right there — the future

FV: Who in particular?

Banks: I’d probably say DJ Lagway. That’s the guy. The quarterback. A big leader, a young leader at that. You know, a guy that rallies the troops. A guy who wants everyone to come back and accomplish something great.”

FV: If you did decide to go to the NFL what do you think you would have missed? What are you looking forward to now that you’re coming back?

Banks: One thing I know I would have missed is I know we are going to get to the National Championship. I didn’t want to miss that. I didn’t want to not be a part of that.”

FV: So that belief in the program, and in the team played a huge role in your decision to come back?

Banks: Yeah. We just talk about it every day. We can accomplish something great. DJ says it all the time. He’s in my ear like, ‘Come back. Run it back. You can go first round.’ That’s another thing. Being able to come back and then go first round (next year) and doing something great that nobody in my family has done.”

FV: What do you see as your role on the team next year?

Banks: Being a good teammate, overall. Just being a leader. Just getting the young guys ready to be able to play early. Just gather the troops.