Vandy lands third commit of day

An already big day for Vanderbilt just got a little better.

Not long after the Commodores picked up commitments from outside linebackerDarreon Herring of Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson and North Atlanta (Ga.) defensive end/linebacker Stephen Weatherly, they scored in Georgia again by landing a pledge from junior strongside defensive end Ladarius Banks of Dallas (Ga.) East Paulding.

"So far, that's my biggest offer, and I feel like that program is going places," Banks said.

According to the 6-foot-2, 270-pound Banks, there was no need to drag out the recruiting process because everything felt right about Vanderbilt. He chose Vanderbilt over offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, Southern Miss and Troy. Alabama and Georgia were among the programs that stopped by East Paulding earlier this week.

"It was a good fit for me," Banks said. "The location is great, it's a good program, it's in the SEC and the academics also are great, which is what my parents really liked about it. [Commodores defensive line coach Sean Spencer] came in the other day and watched me practice. We just jelled. We've talked a little bit and he is fired up about me."

Regarding the commitments of Herring and Weatherly, Banks said, "Those are some good players. Vanderbilt is getting other good players from this area. It'll be good to play with those guys."

Banks described his commitment as firm, but said he still intends to visit other schools. Just to be sure about everything.

"I'm going to Mississippi State, and I'm going to visit Miami," Banks said. "I'm probably going to visit Georgia and Georgia Tech a few more times, too. I just want to see how it goes."