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Ex-Vol Banks leaving C-N to cast his lot with NFL
Sparks: Versatile receiver has ability and opportunity
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Carson-Newman College junior wide receiver and former Tennessee Vol James Banks will forgo his senior season and will enter the 2008 NFL draft.
"I'm 24 years old now and it's time for me to go on and see what can happen,' Banks said Thursday.
Banks got the opportunity to resuscitate his college career at Carson-Newman. A former All-American from Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, Ind., Banks was recruited by Tennessee. After two seasons with the Vols, Banks was dismissed for repeated disciplinary offenses.
In his final season with the Vols, Banks led all receivers with 42 catches for 621 yards and six touchdowns.
"This is a great opportunity for James,' Eagles head coach Ken Sparks said. "It's time for him to go on to the next chapter of his life. There's no question he has the ability."
After first attempting to join the Eagles in 2004, Banks again found himself at the center of some off-the-field problems.
Three years after playing his last down for the Vols, Banks resolved the issues plaguing him and became an instrumental member of this season's 10-1 Carson-Newman squad.
"It was fun to watch James grow and learn this season," Sparks said. "It was a challenge for him when he got here and it wasn't something that came easy at first. We gave him some structure and tough love to help him get to where he wants to go."
Banks caught 22 passes for 370 yards and six touchdowns for the Eagles. Banks also served as Carson-Newman's punt returner, averaging 5.4 yards a return with a long of 41 yards.
"Carson-Newman has been good for him," Sparks said. "He's had to be a team player and realize that things weren't going to revolve around him. He had to work and fit into the program.'
"I'm working out every day and just trying to get my body ready," Banks said. "The Lord has blessed me with another chance to make this happen. I believe in myself and I think I'm where I'm supposed to be."
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