Louisiana three-star staying in state

Monroe (La.) West Monroe is one of the most powerful football programs in the nation. When practice begins on Monday, three-star defensive back D.J. Banks will be taking the reins of the program as the starting quarterback. With plenty of pressure on Banks to perform well and lead his proud program, one thing he won't have to worry about it college. The athletic prospect made his commitment on Friday.

"He went on and committed to Tulane," said D.J.'s father Don Banks. "He sat down and he talked with several coaches and the thing that DJ was concerned about mostly was academics and getting a good education. He felt like he could go there and get a good education and if football doesn't workout he'll always have his degree."

Getting an education clearly was important to the three-star prospect and the prestige of a Tulane degree was one of the biggest selling points along with some other factors.

"A Tulane degree would be great," Mr. Banks noted. "You can do a lot of things with a Tulane degree. It's only four or five hours from home. The third thing is that he'll have a chance to play early."

Currently, Tulane is D.J.'s only written offer but he was receiving heavy interest from the likes of Vanderbilt, Southern Miss, Georgia Tech and the other in-state programs. However, Banks is very happy with the decision he has made.

"He's feeling very good about the decision because he feels like he made the best decision for him and for the type of student he wants to be. Then athletically, he's at a place where he can play and play early and he really feels good about it and the coaches."