Banks ready to ball out for Deacs
Wake Forest didn't hit home particularly hard on the recruiting trail in the Class of 2012, as the Demon Deacons signed just three players from within the borders of North Carolina.
For Apex (N.C.) Middle Creek's Josh Banks---one of those three in-state signees---that admittedly provides a little extra motivation for him to make an impact when he arrives in Winston-Salem in a few weeks for the start of his college career.
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"There's a little more motivation knowing your family is close by (and will be watching)," said Banks to Deacons Illustrated over the weekend.
"I'm hoping that I can make a name for myself while I'm there. I'm just trying to go in there and make a big impact on defense, and on the team as a whole."
The 6-4, 255-pound Banks, one of two projected defensive ends the Demon Deacons signed this past recruiting cycle, has spent the last few months working hard in anticipation for his July 8 arrival at Wake Forest.
"It's getting real close to crunch time. I'm getting ready, working out and stuff like that. I've just been working out in the weight room and running, getting myself in shape for college," he said.
"It's pretty intense knowing you're getting closer and closer, and you've got to set yourself up for what's ahead with everything."
The Wake coaches have steadily kept touch with Banks since he committed last summer, providing him encouragement as he prepares to make his way to Winston-Salem and join the Demon Deacon defensive line.
"They (the Wake Forest coaches) are just telling me to keep running and keep lifting, and make sure I come in in great shape and ready to compete," Banks said.
Banks will have to fight hard in training camp to earn immediate playing time for Wake in 2012, but even if he redshirts this coming season, he's optimistic that he's going to be a productive member of the team's defensive front in the coming years.
"I'm hoping to play early and be an immovable force on the D-line. Last year they had a good defensive line, but a lot of them were young," he said.
This summer will be a significant adjustment for Banks and all his fellow incoming freshmen as they convert from high school to college student-athletes.
But one of the reasons why Banks is so excited about his future at Wake Forest is the people he's chosen to surround himself with.
"I chose Wake because of just the 'home' feeling there. There's great people at that school. There's not enough I can say about them," he said. "I'm just trying to come in and do my best."