Barnabas Banning loves being aggressive. He loves getting onto the football field and pushing people to the ground. He loves playing with a mean streak that could strike fear into a defensive lineman’s eyes.

That aggressiveness is evident in the offensive tackle’s recruiting too. He is underrated, but that doesn’t stop him. He is going to keep pushing forward.

“I’m starting to gain the interest of some of the top schools in the country, and I want to show them, starting with the first game of the season against Severn, that I’m a special type of offensive lineman,” Banning said.

He is preparing for the upcoming season at St. Mary’s Ryken in Leonardtown, Maryland where he also lives. The games will be high pressure because scouts will be watching, but Banning is ready.

“I feel that I’m one of the best lineman in the country. I don’t want to make it seem like I’m cocky, I just want to prove to everybody and every school in the country I’m one of the best,” Banning said.

The rising high school senior has seven offers thus far. At the top of his list is Old Dominion, Syracuse, and Toledo.

He has also garnered interest from schools including Ohio State, North Carolina State, and Virginia Tech.

Old Dominion has been putting together one of their best classes ever. With the potential addition of Banning, ODU will have 16 three star recruits, according to 247 sports.

“I love the program and the class they’re putting together. Also the fact that they have two of my teammates committed, Kyle Goddard and Casey Bernard, and my friend Mufu Taiwo from McDonough, and also that I’m in constant contact with the coaches,” Banning said.

The ODU coaches tell Banning they really like how he looks on film. If the lineman goes to play for the Monarchs, he has the chance to compete for a starting spot right away.

Here’s a look at another ODU target: Derek Wilder

Banning also likes Toledo because he has a friend, Josh Teachey, attending.

“When I went on my visit they made me feel like I was at home, and they showed a lot of love,” Banning said.

Toledo also loves Banning’s film, and the recruit says he is number one on their board.

Check out Toledo recruiting target: Kareem McDonald

While Banning doesn’t have any friends going to Syracuse, it helps that Syracuse is the only BCS school to have offered as of now.

Banning says Syracuse’s reputation for sending players into the NFL makes him like the Orange. He also has developed connections with the coaches, who tell him that he will compete for a starting spot.

The tackle’s playing style appeals to coaches in college who are looking for an aggressive lineman.

“I feel as if I play with good technique, and I’m really physical,” Banning said. “I play with a mean streak, and I’m really passionate.”

Every time he steps onto the field he hopes to dominate. Since he believes he is one of the best in the country, he is always looking to prove it.

“Every play should be a pancake to me, and that’s how I’m looking at it going into this season. Every play in practice or a game, I’m not going to stop until I put the person on their butt,” Banning explained.

More from The Left Bench recruiting desk

He says that being underrated has motivated him to keep trying to improve. He is always trying to push forward and “keep grinding.”

Pushing forward is a theme for Banning. Whether it’s pushing forward towards his goal of dropping 25 more pounds to get to 290, or pushing to gain more offers from BCS schools, Banning won’t stop until he has proven his worth.

“It’s just a blessing. It means a lot to even know I’m proving people wrong who doubted I would ever get a scholarship to play football,” Banning said.

–Michael Stern

@MSternTLB