Over the years in spring football, fans have been treated to some outstanding play from edge rusher duos. Between Pita Taumoepenu and Travis Feeney in St. Louis, Derick Roberson and Andre Mintze in DC, Breeland Speaks and Kenny Willekes in Michigan – the list goes on. The latest addition to those legendary units, though, is in one of the league’s new markets: The Orlando Storm.
With Anthony Becht taking the reins in Orlando, he built another team from scratch. Given his experience in spring football already, he’s got a knack for finding quality talent. He’s no stranger to top notch production at EDGE, given his success in St. Louis at the position. Now, he’s positioned himself to have one of the top rooms once again – even without Taumoepenu and Feeney.
Orlando features Keshawn Banks and Chris Garrett as their starting, primary pass rushers. Chris Garrett is someone that Becht has hyped up as “the guy” for Orlando since day one. Garrett, a Battlehawk the last two years, has been waiting to unleash his talents, stuck behind Pita and Feeney. Becht brought him to Orlando with no hesitation, and that move has paid off in dividends early.
On Sunday night, Garrett was a terror. On 51 snaps, he racked up six QB pressures, a sack, and a forced fumble. His performance resulted in being the top-graded PFF defensive player in the UFL, with a ridiculous 94.2 grade.
“I think we had three of the top four pass rushers, according to PFF if you follow that. I thought they were outstanding. Banks and Garrett were a problem. If they didn’t get home, they got pretty close to it. You’re going to have to deal with them all game long. I’m glad for Chris, he gets an opportunity to shine. I mentioned last year, his output with the reps that he got were pretty damn good.” – Storm HC Anthony Becht
However, Keshawn Banks is a “pleasant surprise”, according to Becht. Banks is someone we were high on coming into the year, as he was poised for a breakout campaign with the Michigan Panthers before the team folded.
He flashed late in UFL camp with Orlando, and put his playmaking abilities on display from the first snap on Sunday night.
Keshawn totaled seven QB pressures, five QB hurries, a game-sealing sack, and a clutch PBU in the red zone as well. Banks scored a 90.1 Defensive Grade via PFF, giving Orlando two of the top three pass rushers in the UFL based off of PFF’s numbers.
“Banks has been a pleasant surprise as he’s gone through camp. He had an injury, so he’s kind of a late bloomer there. But I saw a lot on film that I really liked. He showed up, too, man.” – Storm HC Anthony Becht
Of course, it’s very early into the UFL’s young season. With that in mind, both Chris Garrett and Keshawn Banks proved their ability to generate pressure at a high level, going up against one of the top O-Line units in Columbus. Now, they’ll have a true challenge ahead of themselves: as they try to contain Jason Bean in Louisville.
What are your thoughts on Chris Garrett and Keshawn Banks’ performance with the Storm this weekend? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
