Calvin Bannister CB 5'8 181 Hampton 4.44

Bannister has been a standout cover man for the Pirates since his freshman year. In 2003 he had 19 tackles to go along with 14 pass break ups and two interceptions. His sophomore year, he picked off three passes, broke up 19 more, and finished with 27 tackles. As a junior, Bannister was limited by an ankle injury to just eight games and only had nine tackles and a pick on the year. He came back with a strong senior season, finishing with a career high 34 tackles, and three interceptions.

Bannister is an excellent cover corner. He has great speed and quickness, and can really shadow a receiver down the field. He is a feisty and aggressive corner. He will not back down from anyone, and he will get physical with a receiver. Bannister has the ability to locate the ball in the air and make a play on it. He is also a special teams standout, blocking seven kicks in four years, and having some punt return experience.

The biggest issue facing Bannister is one that he really cannot do anything about: size. He is short, and has a small build. Although tough and aggressive, his lack of overall size really hinders his projectability at the next level. He will not be able to cover bigger and more physical receivers because of his size.

Bannister would be a hot name at corner if he were bigger. When you eliminate size from the equation, he is on par with teammate Travarous Bain as a prospect. With his size limitations though, he will never be a starting corner in the NFL. His ability to make it in the NFL will come down to his special teams ability. He has been a standout at Hampton, and if he can continue his success in the NFL, he could find a home as a reserve defensive back and special teamer.