The Florida Gators finally got their turn at the podium at the 2025 SEC media days event held in Atlanta, and among those representing the Gators this summer was redshirt senior defensive tackle Caleb Banks, who answered the press’ questions on Wednesday afternoon.
The queries were focused mainly on his impression of the coaching staff, the team’s chances at success this coming season, as well as the status of quarterback DJ Lagway — who also fielded questions from the press.
Below is a look at an abridged transcription from Banks’ moment in the spotlight at the 2025 SEC media days event, focusing on his responses most germane to the Orange and Blue.
Can you tell us what kind of offseason you’ve had heading into this season here?
“It’s been a great offseason. I’m just getting better with my teammates and just developing my game in all types of ways. It’s been great.”
What’s the coaching message for this year?
“Spot the ball.”
I know DJ was limited this summer, but just what have you seen from him and his progress and development?
“DJ, he’s a great player. DJ, he’s developing every day as well, getting his body together. He’s doing everything he can to help us and the team be productive.”
Describe playing for Coach Napier and what you tell folks about him
“Coach, he’s a great coach. He’s one of the greatest coaches I’ve ever been with. When I was at Louisville, I didn’t have much film, but when I transferred, he believed in me and I really appreciate that. He put me in the best spot to be productive, and I’m here now at SEC media days. So he’s a great guy.”
You opted to come back for this season… could you share a little bit more about your reason behind that?
“It wasn’t just DJ Lagway, it was the whole entire team. I wanted to come back and play with my guys and be the first male in my family to graduate, first generation to graduate. I felt it was very important. And to come back get a national championship and of course have a higher draft stock for the NFL in the future.”
What kind of gives you optimism about this year’s squad, that this year’s Florida Gators is going to be better than last year?
“We work hard every day. I watch those guys work every single day. I watch how hard they work, how much work they put in day in and day out, the extra time they put in. It’s the little things as well. I feel like it’s going to be a really great year for us.”
Was there a time last year — before he got put in as a starter — that you knew that DJ was going to be everything he was billed to be?
“I used to watch his film in high school. He’s a dude. Just the little things that he do, like to critique his game, I think he’s a great player. Once he went in, we didn’t have no type of doubt that he would be able to takeover and be able to help us win that game. I watch him in practice. I’ve been in the back a long time, practicing with him. I watch how — he’s a good guy, a good player.”
You talked about improving your draft stock. What do you think you have to work on the most?
“My run game. I think my run game will be the biggest thing for me this year. My pass rush. Honestly, everything. My pad level, I think I can improve in everything. There’s always room for improvement. Just got to keep going.”
The team ended on a high note, on that winning streak. How do you kind of carry that momentum from last season into a new year?
“Honestly, I think it’s a mindset thing. I think if we have the right mindset going into the season this year and we have a great fall camp, we’ll be able to go out and be successful this year.”
What’s it like as a player to hear and see the headlines or the speculation about your coach’s job status?
“You know, we all believe in Coach Napier. We know he’s a great guy, a great coach. And we believe in everything he’s done for us. He puts us in a great position every single day with everything that we do. We love him.”
Florida’s a program that has its share of rivalry games. Do you have a particular favorite game to play?
“I’m looking forward to every single game, honestly. I don’t have anyone picked out. I’m ready to play ball.”
What do you remember from last year’s game against Georgia? And what is the team’s mindset going into this year?
“That was a great game. Georgia was a good game. We almost had them. I feel like we almost had them.
“Honestly, like, we’ve just got to get them next time. Nothing else to say about that. We’ll see them soon. Just gotta play our best game we can play.”
What’s it like playing in front of that crowd as part of the Gators?
“It’s crazy. It’s probably the craziest environment I’ve ever played in. I love our fans. I love the Florida Gators. I feel like the Swamp is just the best place to play at night and in the daytime. They bring it anytime. It’s amazing.”
What role did the LSU game play in your late resurgence last year? What did that win mean for you guys moving forward?
“It was a really big win for us. We wanted to be able to prove to everybody we can beat a top team. They kind of thought we couldn’t. We had to prove to ourselves and everybody else that we can do it. Simple asthat.”
What’s it feel like when you’re winning and the third quarter is over and they play the song, how does that feel?
“It’s amazing. Every time I look up in the sky, I just thank God we’re in the position we’re in. If we’relosing or winning, I’m just here in a beautiful place around amazing people. It’s amazing.”
Do you sing along with it or not?
“I do all the time, all the time.”
A lot of great Gators have come through there. Any there any that have helped you or that you have gotten to know?
“B(randon) Spikes, he’s one of the coolest (indiscernible) I’ve run into. He loves the Florida Gators. He reminds me every day why I’m here and what I’m doing it for. Good guy.”
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football DT Caleb Banks speaks at 2025 SEC Media Days
Reporting by Adam Dubbin, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
