Former William & Mary football players Jalen Jones and Luke Banbury have received invitations to participate in NFL rookie minicamps, according to an April 28 announcement. Jones will join the Washington Commanders, while Banbury has been invited by the Baltimore Ravens.
This development gives both athletes a chance to continue their football careers at the professional level. They aim to follow other former Tribe players who are currently on NFL rosters, including Charles Grant with the Raiders, Nate Lynn with the Titans, Bill Murray and Luke Rhodes with the Colts, Colby Sorsdal with the Lions, and Owen Wright with the Buccaneers.
Jones was recognized as an All-American by five organizations last season and was named one of the nation’s top cornerbacks. He earned an invitation to play in the American Bowl. Over his college career at William & Mary, he became a three-time first-team All-CAA selection and twice was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. In 2025, he ranked second in his conference for passes defended per game and finished third in interceptions and pass breakups. His efforts led him to be named Defensive Back of the Year in Virginia by the Touchdown Club of Richmond.
Banbury also had a standout season after transferring from Cornell. He was honored as an All-American by four organizations during his time at William & Mary and became a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award in 2025. He recorded 137 tackles that season—the most by any Tribe player since 1988—and also contributed two sacks, several tackles for loss, pass breakups, and fumble recoveries.
Both Jones’ and Banbury’s achievements reflect their impact on William & Mary’s football program as well as their potential value at higher levels of competition. Their invitations mark another step forward for Tribe athletes seeking opportunities beyond college football.
