Key Takeaways
- The New Orleans Saints selected offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. ninth overall in the 2025 draft out of the University of Texas.
- Banks Jr. profiles to be a future star at the professional level after a standout college career with the Longhorns.
- RG sat down with Banks' trainer to discuss his development and how he's being built for long-term success off the field.
Kelvin Banks Jr. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Saints picking Kelvin Banks Jr. as the ninth overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft wasn't only investing in a physically gifted offensive tackle. They also secured a cornerstone player who was molded by elite development and unwavering dedication. Banks, who started all 42 games for the University of Texas (2022–2024) as a left tackle three years ago, earned accolades throughout his college career:
In 2024, he won the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award, earned First Team All-SEC, Jacobs Blocking Trophy, and was unanimously selected as an All-American. His performance helped power Texas to a Big 12 championship while solidifying his status as one of college football’s most dominant linemen.
A deeper story lies beyond the awards and tape, one of resilience, technical refinement, and professional preparation. Banks' success was not the result of an isolated event. Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, who founded AUE Performance, was a crucial player behind the scenes who used strategic training methods to help Banks transform from a top college prospect to a Day 1 NFL-ready starter. Ume Ezeoke also played a role in helping develop Atlanta Falcons rookie Xavier Watts, as he discussed in a recent interview with RG.
Ume-Ezeoke's role in guiding Banks through a pivotal offseason was instrumental in guiding him through the mental chess of offensive line play and perfecting every inch of technique. In this exclusive Q&A with RG, Ume-Ezeoke breaks down the development process behind one of the 2025 draft's most exciting offensive linemen, offering rare insight into what it truly takes to train for greatness.
Kelvin Banks: Development & Training Insight
What was your first impression of Kelvin Banks when he came into your program, and how has he evolved since then?
"From day one, Kelvin carried himself with quiet confidence. What stood out most was his combination of raw strength and composure—he didn’t get rattled easily, even in high-pressure scenarios. Over time, I’ve watched him evolve into a more technically sound, explosive athlete who plays with intentionality and leadership.
Physically, we increased his functional strength, shortened his punch arc, and worked on mobility under load. Mentally, we simulated game-like stress with tempo drills, varied fronts, and unexpected shifts so he could practice processing under pressure. We also worked through film sessions where he had to talk through his responses—building his IQ in real time."
Can you share a breakthrough moment in your work with Kelvin—something that clicked and elevated his game to another level?
“One moment in our workout session with Kelvin that was a break through moment. Sled March’s, first week we focused on control with foot strike by week 3 something clicked. His foot strike, hip alignment, and posture synced perfectly. That was the moment he realized power isn’t just about force. It was about control. From that point forward, his movement became more intentional, and it showed in how confidently he moved in his 40 yard dash.”
What were some of the biggest adjustments Kelvin had to make during his offseason work with you to align with the Saints' system and expectations?
“Before we had a lot of solid guys, he was always the one who came in every day, ready to work. Whatever plan we put together to give him the best chance at being a first-round draft pick, he executed it. The results speak for themselves—he was drafted in the first round. All the hard work he put in over those three to four months really paid off.”
What’s something the average fan doesn’t see about Kelvin’s preparation or work ethic that sets him apart from other young linemen?
“His attention to detail. Kelvin will stay after a full session just to review foot angles or re-watch a drill on video. He doesn’t chase highlight reps—he wants to understand the why behind each technique. That humility and drive to master the craft is what truly sets him apart.”
Now that Kelvin’s entering the league, what areas do you think will define his long-term success—and how did your training prepare him for that path?
“His ability to stay technically sound while adapting to NFL speed will define his success. We built a foundation rooted in efficiency—less wasted motion, more calculated reactions. That, along with his natural poise, gives him the tools to become a long-term anchor on the line.”
How do you approach training someone who already has elite potential, and what did you do to push Kelvin beyond his comfort zone?
“The key is keeping the standard higher than the expectation. I never let Kelvin settle for “good enough.” We dissected every rep, chased every inch of improvement, and built in challenges that exposed even minor flaws. He never resisted that process—he embraced it, which made my job easier.”
With Kelvin now in the NFL, how do you maintain communication and support him during the season, if at all?
“We stay in touch through check-ins—quick texts or film feedback if he needs a second set of eyes. I’m always available for recovery strategies, mobility adjustments, or mental resets. It’s about being a resource without being in the way.”
What’s one piece of advice you gave Kelvin that you believe will carry with him throughout his NFL career?
“Win the rep before it begins.” Whether it’s pre-snap alignment, mental preparation, or technique setup—success starts before the ball is even snapped. That mindset keeps him proactive rather than reactive."
From your perspective, what makes Kelvin Banks not just NFL-ready, but NFL-dominant in the years to come?
Built For Success
As Kelvin Banks Jr continues to bark on his NFL journey with the Saints, he is also carrying with him more than just his academic and athletic achievements.
Augustine Ume-Ezeoke's intentional training and discipline, as well as the AUE Performance philosophy, are also important. Banks' preparation reveals the unrecognized work needed to thrive at the professional level, from refining footwork and hip alignment to developing mental toughness and film-study precision.
Banks is entering the league with a blueprint that is designed for dominance, crafted through repetition, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of mastery. Ume-Ezeoke's success proves not only her talent but also the power of preparation. Stay tuned for RG's continued spotlight on the football rising stars and the master builders behind their success.
