WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- For all we know 26-year-old Brian Banks could've already been an NFL superstar. He could have millions of dollars, a garage full of cars and a Super Bowl ring. The California native and burgeoning linebacker was was offered a scholarship from USC at the age of 16.
All of those dreams were smashed into thousands of pieces back in 2002, when Banks was accused of raping a friend, Wanetta Gibson. Banks pleaded no contest (instead risking a possible conviction of 41 years through a length trial) and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Last week Banks was miraculously exonerated of his ankle bracelet and house arrest, after Gibson finally came forward and admitted she had made up the accusation.
What now? Besides suing the state of California for $100 everyday he was incarcerated, the 6-foot-2, 245 pounder told ESPN.com he wants his shot at the NFL.
The Redskins, Seahawks, Chiefs and Dolphins have all expressed interest in the former big time recruit.
Keep your ears open and your eyes peeled for Banks this season. A guy as a hungry as this, with untapped potential, could be extremely beneficial on most NFL teams.