Music: {allcanada} LIONS INK BANKS TO AN EXTENSION THROUGH 2012 SEASON

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

{allcanada} LIONS INK BANKS TO AN EXTENSION THROUGH 2012 SEASON

The B.C. Lions have locked up Korey Banks through the 2012 season, signing the five-time all-star defensive back to an extension Monday.

"Korey is one of our most consistent players on defence and this is an important extension for the club," Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono said in a statement. "He's a tremendous leader on the field and someone we have come to depend on for big plays at key moments."

Banks played in every game for a Lions team that made the playoffs, but lost in the west semi-final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Banks enjoyed a stellar season for the Lions last year, which earned him the team nod four outstanding defensive player and his fifth consecutive division all-star nod. He joins Eric Carter and Barron Miles as the only three players in team history to be named a divisional all-star in their first five seasons with the club.

He shared the team lead in sacks with seven, and led the team in tackles for a loss (four), pass knockdowns (10), forced fumbles (three) and fumble returns (four). He also had 55 solo tackles to rank fifth on the team. In the last six years, Banks has the CFL lead among active players with 33 interceptions.

"I have enjoyed my time in BC and I believe we have all the ingredients of a championship-caliber team," Banks said from his offseason home in Atlanta. "Our defence really came into its own last season and I can't wait to get back on the field."