Giving it a go
Long known for his basketball prowess, Erickson Bans joins up with Shea High football program
Shea basketball standout Erickson Bans, a senior, is giving it a go on the gridiron; competing for the starting quarterback job.
PAWTUCKET — Someone mentioned to me last week that Erickson Bans was working out with a bunch of Shea High student-athletes at Max Read Field.
I checked the calendar; still August. It’s not even close to basketball season, a time when Bans has been known to shine. Now, my curiosity is piqued.
There was Bans last Friday evening, standing in shoulder pads and wearing a helmet while on the turf that doubles as Shea’s home field.
He looked very comfortable in his attempt to make gridiron plays and fit into his new surroundings.
Erickson Bans, now a senior, is going to play football in high school for the first time ever. One of the state’s most talented hoopsters in recent memory is set to spend the upcoming autumn months on the gridiron.
“It’s a chance to make a memory,” said Bans during a break between drills, the tone of his voice suggesting that he’s serious about the endeavor he signed up for. The plot thickens when you see Bans drop back with his eyes surveying the defensive coverage. With the same right hand that has guided him to numerous accomplishments on the basketball court for the Raiders, he throws the football.
Yes, Bans has his sights firmly set on becoming the Raiders’ starting quarterback. The job hasn’t been awarded to him, at least not yet. Rhode Island high school football teams are transitioning to Week 2 of the preseason, with controlled scrimmages and joint practices on the docket.
There’s still plenty of time for Bans or another QB on the Shea roster to seize control – or for Bans to strengthen the odds that he should be the choice. My money is on the latter, mainly because of the “have game, will travel” belief that if Houdini can work wonders in sneakers, imagine him wearing cleats and with much more room to operate.
Certainly it would be a remarkable story if it proves to bear fruit … this well-regarded standout basketball player 1). throwing his name into the varsity football ring as a 12th grader, 2). lining up at the most scrutinized position in the game, maybe in all of sports, and 3). leading Shea to the Division I playoffs for the second straight year.
First things first, however, as Bans knows he needs to survive the dog days of training camp – no small feat in football circles.
“Day-by-day, it’s about getting better,” said Bans.
Per Shea head coach Dino Campopiano, the early returns have been very promising. With each passing snap, the confidence in Bans grows. That was quite evident this past Friday, when Bans made the correct read while rolling to his left. The play was barely finished when Campopiano blurted out “good job!”
“Very proud of how hard he’s working,” said Campopiano. “He’s got all the ability and all the intangibles. He’s just got to put it all together.”
Technically, this isn’t Bans’ first football rodeo. Before high school, he played quarterback for the Fairlawn Cardinals, one of the city’s youth football programs. He’s been a regular attendee at Shea home games, but that basketball schedule of his seemed to offer no letup. If he wasn’t playing for the Raiders or on the AAU grassroots circuit, chances are you’ll find him inside some gym working on his craft.
With an opening at quarterback following the graduation of 2018 starter Eric Palmer, the allure of Bans joining the Shea football team was one that moved into the conversation of definite possibilities. Towards the tail end of his junior year, Bans made his intentions known that he would be present for the first day of football practice.
When last Monday arrived, he was on hand, joining teammates whom he’s either played basketball with or shared classes. Right now, the plan is for him to concentrate exclusively at quarterback.
“He said, ‘Coach I just want to play offense’ and that’s fine,” said Campopiano. “He could probably be a great defensive back. He could be great at anything he does.”
School pride aside, Bans explained why football at this stage of his high school career represents an ideal fit. Naturally, it has to do with basketball, his meal ticket in terms of playing at the college level.
“Football is going to help out with my explosiveness and strength,” he noted.
What has always struck me about Bans, the basketball player, is the supreme body control he exudes when driving to the basket. The next time someone in a different color jersey knocks him down, it will be the first.
In football, Bans is going to get hit. That goes double for someone who fancies himself as a mobile quarterback. That’s not meant as a knock on Bans. Football is built on collisions. If you possess the pigskin, you are a target and focus of linebackers and defensive ends who can’t wait to wrestle you to the ground.
“I’m shifty on my feet,” said Bans with a confident smile. “I’m not worried.”
Standing a few feet away as Bans worked with Shea’s skill position guys was Steve DeMeo, a Raider football assistant and also the school’s varsity basketball head coach. Before going to bed, DeMeo probably says a quick prayer or two that Bans doesn’t get hurt. Still, DeMeo sees nothing but upside in Bans trying his luck at football.
“Kids should play all types of sports,” noted DeMeo, a nod to a culture where specializing in one sport has taken over.
For Bans, basketball will always remain the gateway to a better future. We’re talking about someone who last February scored 57 points in a playoff game and is coming off a rewarding summer with the Expressions Elite AAU program. College programs are starting to take a serious interest in him, including nearby Bryant University.
This fall, a different game awaits. If you’ve seen Bans play basketball, close your eyes for just a few seconds. You can certainly picture this talented performer moving quickly past the neophyte stage where he’s routinely taking the snaps from center, can’t you?
“I told him in the beginning that it’s like riding a bike,” said DeMeo. “He’ll get used to it.”
Is there any doubt?
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Photo by Ernest A. Brown
Photo by Ernest A. Brown