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News February 5, 2015

Banking on a New Deal: Ticats re-sign star speedster

Adam Gagnon

CFL.ca Staff

HAMILTON — The most important pending free agent on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats list is now inked to a new contract as the club re-signed star receiver and kick returner Brandon Banks.

“Brandon is one of the premiere playmakers in the league with the ability to change the game every time he touches the ball.” said Ticats General Manager and Head Coach Kent Austin. “We are extremely happy that he will be with our team for the next three years.”

After bursting onto the scene in 2013, Banks had a stellar regular season and almost single-handedly lifted the Tiger-Cats to a Grey Cup berth with two kick return touchdowns in the East Final vs. Montreal.  Last season, Banks had over 529 yards receiving off 42 catches but did most of his damage in the return game.  He finished second in the league in Combined Yards with 1,342 and recorded a major on both punt and kickoff returns, the longest being 103 yards.

The 27-year old elusive return man and offensive threat also set a new CFL record for punt return yards in a playoff game with 226 yards in the Tiger-Cats thrilling 40-26 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in the 2014 Eastern Final. Banks also tied the CFL playoff record for punt return touchdowns in a playoff game (2) on the same day, as he returned punts of 88 and 93 yards for scores.