Former Neumann-Goretti offensive lineman Banning to play at Robert Morris
Banning, who played junior college ball at Valley Forge Military Academy after breaking his leg as a senior at Neumann-Goretti, will sign a letter of intent next week.
AS IMPROBABLE as it sounds, the broken leg that Patrick Banning suffered in the first game of his senior season has blossomed into a blessing.
It was the 15th play of the 2015 opener when Banning, a promising offensive lineman for Neumann-Goretti, got his right foot caught in the turf at Wildwood High School's field before being hit by a defensive player. He sustained a dislocated ankle and a fractured fibula. Just like that, his high school career was over.
"School was rough that year," he said. "Rolling around with a scooter. Plus, I missed the first three weeks of classes."
The 6-2, 310-pound Banning, who spent last season at Valley Forge Military Academy, will sign a letter of intent next week to play at Robert Morris University.
"I am so happy for him," said his mother, Jennifer. "He never gave up."
Banning grew up in the Pennsport section of South Philadelphia and played a huge part in ending Neumann-Goretti's 60-year Catholic League-title drought in 2014. He was named second-team all-league by coaches.
"Not a lot of people from our neighborhood go on to play football at the FCS level," he said. "I think it's cool to be part of the small percentage to do that."
The Colonials play in the Northeast Conference in what used to be known as Division I-AA. Among the games on Robert Morris' schedule next season is a trip to North Dakota State, alma mater of you-know-who.
"I always think about that," Banning said, "playing against the team where Carson Wentz played. It's going to be an unbelievable experience."
It's also a long way from the Jersey Shore turf where almost two years ago things seemed to end so suddenly.
Banning, ironically, sustained his injury against Valley Forge's high school team.
Playing a year of junior college ball not only allowed him to shake off any rust, it also opened his eyes to a new curriculum and some intense military-style discipline. Banning said his first commandant, Col. Gerry Tertychny, is a former Green Beret.
"It's a different type of school," said Banning, who will continue his studies at Robert Morris in the cyber security field. "I'm definitely happy I went here. It changed my life."
@EdBarkowitz