Longhorns Star Kelvin Banks Launches Barbecue Line.

When 6'5" 318-pound University of Texas football player Kelvin Banks Jr. walks into a barbecue restaurant, he's not just there to enjoy a meal. He's on a mission to showcase the best of Texas barbecue and share his love for food and football with his growing social media audience.

The Rise of a Barbecue Influencer
With his "Barbecue Tasting Series" on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thekelvinbanks , Banks is combining his passion for barbecue and his desire to showcase his personality and interests outside of football.

"I wanted to show myself and my character more and get myself more out there," Banks said. "I’m kind of a quiet guy, shy. I think it was a no-brainer. First thing when you think about Texas and food is barbecue. Who doesn’t love barbecue?"

Banks' adventuring has taken him to famed establishments like Terry Black’s Barbecue, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, and Rudy’s in Austin, and his reviews are gaining traction.

A Humble Giant
Despite his towering stature and budding celebrity, Banks remains humble, often greeted with queries of "Do you play football?" to which he jokingly responds, "I'm just a guy who blocks."

But make no mistake, Banks is a critical piece of the Longhorns' success, starting every game at left tackle in his first two seasons and projected as a future first-round NFL draft pick.

A Culinary Adventure
Banks' barbecue journey is not just about the food; it's also about the experience. When he walks into LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in South Austin, he's greeted by the aromas and vibes that make barbecue joints so special.

"Smells awesome," Banks said. “I love the vibe in here. I’m getting excited just looking at the pictures."

Joining him is chef and co-owner Evan LeRoy, who proudly asserts that their pulled whole hog is among the best in the SEC, a nod to the Longhorns' new conference.

Banks samples a variety of dishes, from beef cheeks to onion rings, and expresses his love for the diverse cultural influences on the menu, including Mexican, Japanese, and Korean flavors.

“I love how you mix in so many different cultures into your food,” Banks said. "I’ll definitely be coming back. I’ll probably be bringing some of the guys with me."

A Man of Many Talents
When he's not protecting quarterbacks or sampling barbecue, Banks enjoys fishing, spending time with his family, and even cooking at home, though he's yet to attempt barbecue. LeRoy advises him to start with a pork shoulder: "Put a good rub on it, don’t get it too hot, and just cook it till it’s tender."

Banks also reflects on his decision to play for the Longhorns, his early positions in football, and the pressure of being ranked in the top 5. He embraces the challenge of protecting Heisman favorite Quinn Ewers and the highly touted Arch Manning.

As Banks continues to dominate on the field and explore the best barbecue joints off of it, his influence and following are sure to grow. So, to all the barbecue joints in Texas, consider yourself warned: Kelvin Banks Jr. is coming, and he's bringing his appetite.