29 Palms duo stock on the rise
The sleepy desert town of Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. will be known for more than being the home for a United States Marine base, due to three players who attend Twenty-nine Palms high school.
In an earlier Pac10Recruiting report we introduced you to Twentynine Palms wide receiver Layton “Dynamite” Matthews.
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In this report Pac10Recruiting will cover the other two D-I prospects from Twentynine Palms and they are Anthony Banks and Daniel Leopolodo.
Banks is a versatile athlete who will play defensive back/WR/RB as a senior. He stands 5-foot-11, weighs 175 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds.
Banks was one of the top defensive backs in Southern California, recording seven interceptions during his junior season. He also recorded 58 tackles with 28 solos. He was also and outstanding punt return specialist with 12 attempts for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Banks was selected to the all-CIF football team for 2001 for his performance.
Banks is a three-sport star, in football, soccer, and track. Banks has run a 49.2 400-meter time, and will be all-CIF selection in track as well.
After leading the Wildcat football team to the CIF semi-finals, Banks scored 4 goals in his first soccer game. Banks is extremely dedicated in the classroom and carries a 3.5 GPA.
Banks, who is originally is from Virginia, was considered a sleeper going into the recruiting season has received interest from Stanford, Arizona State, and Oregon.
The other Twentynine Palms standout is Daniel Leopoldo. Leopoldo is 6-foot-0, weighs 240 pounds, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.8. He will play fullback on offense and defensive tackle or end on defense.
Leopoldo was selected as the top defensive lineman in CIF Division 12.
Leopoldo has been a varsity starter since his sophomore season and was selected all-league (twice). He was also selected all-region and all-CIF as a junior.
Leopoldo has recorded over 140 tackles in is career as a down lineman. He benches 345 pounds and power cleans 275 pounds.
Leopoldo is a tremendous blocker and will be a devastating running threat next season.
Leopoldo fought through double teams to pick up 40 solo tackles, seven sacks, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He is a huge playmaker who has recorded four safeties over the last two years.
An outstanding all-around athlete, Leopoldo is also an outstanding track athlete, throwing the shot over 50 feet. Leopoldo carries a 2.9 GPA and has received recruiting interest from Arizona State, Utah State, Oregon, and Wisconsin…