The BC Lions Football Club announced this morning that defensive back Korey Banks has been inked to a contract extension by the team.

“Over the past number of years, Korey has been a central figure in our defence and on our team,” said VP of football operations and GM Wally Buono. “Having him under contract is a big part of our foundation moving forward and this is a very important extension.”

“If the defence was a single player then Korey would definitely be the heartbeat of that player,” said head coach Mike Benevides. “Even now, as he enters his ninth season, he is simply one our league’s best defensive players. His versatility and athletic ability are unmatched and I’m thrilled to know he’s with us.”

Banks comes off his sixth season with the Lions all of which have been honored with a West Division All-Star nod. Last year, his 43 defensive tackles including three for a loss and three sacks to go along with an interception earned him a fourth career CFL All-Star selection. The Florida native was an instrumental part of a Lions defence that limited opposing teams to a league-low 385 points and second fewest passing yards last season. 

“I think we proved last year that we have very talented core players on both sides of the ball and I fully expect us to be contending for a championship in 2012,” said Banks.