Zach Banner

Classroom

Last fall, Zach Banner graduated with a degree in communication. While pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, Banner interned with Fox Sports in the summer of 2016. He created B-roll and highlight clips that were featured on the Colin Cowherd Show.

In addition, Banner interned with USC Fox Sports Properties during the summers of 2014 and 2015 where he assisted Fox Sports Properties directors with the management of USC’s corporate sponsorship accounts.

Character

Not only does Banner have a physical presence on the USC football team, he also provides leadership for the Trojan squad. He was voted a captain of the 2016 team by his teammates and leads his team by example. Banner demonstrates hard work and dedication to the sport both on and off the field. Banner is always on time for practice, media interviews and class, and he upholds that standard for his teammates as well. Throughout his five years at Troy, Banner has been through challenging times, but he has continued to support his Trojan family.

Though he had an opportunity to enter the NFL Draft after his successful 2015 season, Banner chose to come back and help his team in their campaign for a Pac-12 Championship and bowl victory.

Community

In addition to being a leader on the football field, Banner also is a leader in the community. He has spoken at the New Life Christian Center and at seven schools about the importance of education and receiving a college degree. The schools included elementary, middle and high schools.

Each year, Banner participates with the football team at the nationally recognized Swim with Mike event in Los Angeles, Calif. This cause is special to USC, as Mike Nyeholt—the charity’s namesake—was a Trojan. The Swim with Mike organization began in 1981 as a benefit for USC swimmer Mike Nyeholt after he was paralyzed from the chest down in a motorcycle accident. The organization has raised more than $16 million and has granted scholarships to disabled athletes at 85 universities.

Banner and the USC Trojans partnered with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation during the 2015 season, which pairs children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers with high school and college sports teams. The Trojans adopted 9-year-old Joey Rodriguez, who suffers from a terminal brain tumor, and made him an honorary member of the team.

Competition

At 6-foot-9, 360 pounds, USC team captain, Zach Banner is the Trojans’ largest player. In his third season starting at right offensive tackle, he has recorded 33 starts and is an All-American candidate. In addition, he is a candidate for the Lombardi Award (top lineman/linebacker) and the Outland Trophy (top interior lineman).

After the 2015 season, Banner was selected as a 2015 CollegeSportsMadness.com third-team All-American and a All-Pac-12 first team pick, as well as an AP All-Pac-12 second team and a Phil Steele All-Pac-12 second team honoree. He won USC’s Offensive Lineman of the Year Award.

In 2014 he was named a 2014 College Football News Sophomore All-American Honorable Mention selection. Banner is a versatile lineman and can be utilized as either a right or left tackle, and he has seen action from both positions on the line throughout his time at USC.