Paavan Bankston, a defensive back from Yelm High School, announced his commitment to Linfield University on March 22, just three months after he had a huge interception in the 3A state championship football game.
Just weeks before he reports to McMinnville, Oregon, for fall football camp, Bankston spoke to the Nisqually Valley News on what led to his commitment to Linfield and reflected on his journey as a Yelm Tornado.
“I committed to Linfield because it felt right to me. I loved the atmosphere of the campus, the people, the culture and the team,” Bankston said. “Linfield is a team that is constantly making a run in the playoffs and I wanted to be part of that. Linfield is also the school that could develop me into the best football player I can be, but also give me a top-notch education.”
Leading up to his commitment, Bankston said the recruiting process was very stressful but also fun. He was left wondering if he’d even have the opportunity to play college football until he received his first offer one week after his senior season ended. The fun side of being recruited picked up for the defensive back after he received his first offer, he said.
Bankston, who will study sports psychology at Linfield, plans to take a lot of what he learned in Yelm’s football program with him to McMinnville. He’ll report for fall football camp Aug. 15.
“I will take the culture from Yelm football and its community to Linfield,” he said. “Yelm Football has been with me since I was in the third grade and it was a stepping stone for my success. The community was always supporting and welcoming to the Yelm High School football team and I’ll never forget the loud crowds and amazing community I had in Yelm.”
As he prepares to depart from Yelm for fall football camp in McMinnville, Bankston said he’s been working out and following a specific program given by the Linfield coaches. He added that he’s been putting in extra work on the football field by doing defensive back drills, either with his friends or by himself.
Before he takes the next step in his football journey, Bankston wanted to be sure to thank those who supported him along his journey in becoming a Wildcat.
“The people that guided me the most toward my decision were my family, my mom Ruth, my dad Rob and my girlfriend Avery. They helped me realize that no decision is wrong and that this is my choice, my future,” Bankston said. “They helped me through the stressful part of the decision making. They made me realize where my heart wanted to go before I knew and my heart led to Linfield University.”
Bankston finished the 2022 championship season with six interceptions for Yelm. He also finished the season with 19 tackles, one tackle for loss and a defensive touchdown.
