MSU Athletics

Freddie Banks begins his third season at Midwestern State as an assistant coach in charge of defensive backs in 2018. He also fills the role of recruiting coordinator.

Banks' youthful secondary played a key role in helping the Mustangs to an NCAA Division II Playoff appearance in 2016. Led by sophomore Sir'Vell Ford, a first-team all-league performer, and freshman Jaydon Cunigan (All-LSC honorable mention), the unit rated second in the league and 37th in NCAA Division II allowing a scant 190.1 passing yards per game.

With a full season under his belt, Banks turned the gridiron into a no-fly zone in 2018 as the secondary produced 11 interceptions and 42 pass breakups. The ballhawks in the backend helped the Mustangs to an unbeaten regular season and a Lone Star Conference championship.

Prior to MSU, Banks spent a year as defensive coordinator at Livonia (La.) High School helping the Wildcats to an 8-4 record while holding the opposition to 19.8 points per game.
 
The Harvey, Ill. also brings four years of collegiate coaching experience to MSU as logged two seasons (2013 and 2014) mentoring defensive backs as the passing game coordinator at Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La. The Colonels rated second in the Southland Conference in pass defense in 2013.
 
Banks also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Minnesota State-Moorhead acting as defensive backs coach/defensive play caller in 2012 and cornerbacks coach in 2011. Along with defensive duties, Banks also helped out with the special teams while assisting the strength and conditioning program. He also served as assistant director of development working mainly with alumni relations during his time at Moorhead.
 
Playing Career
Banks enjoyed a solid playing career culminating with three years at powerhouse North Dakota State (2008-10) after playing his freshman season at NCAA Division II Mercyhurst (Pa.) in 2006.
 
Banks worked his way up the depth chart to start 12 games at cornerback for NDSU's first FCS playoff qualifying team in 2010. The 5-9, 179-pounder amassed 48 tackles with on interception and six pass breakups as the Bison ranked No. 1 in total and scoring defense permitting a scant 140.6 yards a game to rank second in FCS in pass defense.
 
Banks contributed to three wins over Football Bowl Subdivision members Central Michigan (2007), Minnesota (2007) and Kansas (2010) while competing in 27 games at North Dakota State.
 
Banks posted 33 tackles including 1.5 for loss with an interception as a true freshman at Mercyhurst before transferring to NDSU. He is a 2006 graduate of Thornwood High in South Holland, Ill.
 
He earned a degree in sociology with a minor in advertising and public relations at North Dakota State in 2010.
 
Personal
Banks is married to Candace Rena Banks.

The Banks File
Asst. Coach at Minnesota State-Moorhead (DC/DB) - 2011-12
Asst. Coach at Nicholls State (DB/ST) - 2013-14
Defensive Coordinator at Livonia (La.) HS - 2015
Asst. Coach at Midwestern State (DB) 2016-