Quintin Banks

Best wishes to Quintin

Backup safety Quintin Banks, whose career has been frequently derailed by knee injuries, will forgo his senior season.

Banks “has basically decided to retire from football,” Richt said Thursday. “His knees have just not allowed him to move the way he’s accustomed to moving and move well enough to compete at this level.”

Richt said Banks will have surgery “and try to get it all cleaned up” before he graduates. In the meantime, he will stay involved with the team and “help us coach,” Richt said.

“He has tremendous knowledge, tremendous love for this team and his teammates. He’s got a wonderful spirit,” Richt said. “Quintin is exactly what we’re looking for when it comes to a good Bulldog.

“As a head coach, you hope that when a young man walks out the door he’s ready for life. And Quintin is absolutely ready. He’s turned into a really fine man, and anybody looking for a tremendous employee and future leader, Quintin is that.”

Between injuries, Banks has played in only five games in the past two seasons.

Yeah, I read that this morning. Wish him all the best and am glad he's participating as a "student assistant coach".

Does this heart good to read about Coach Richt's words and involvement with not only this young man, all of the young men that cross his path. Truly reminds me of Coach Dungy, another fine man.