Atlanta Falcons linebacker coach Glenn Pires has praised the progress of Brian Banks, who is trying to make it in the NFL after losing several years to the criminal justice system.

Follow Banks' comeback at Falcons blog The Falcoholic

Banks was a highly touted recruit in high school and committed to USC before a false rape conviction sent him to prison for five years. He was released and exonerated when his victim later recanted the accusation.

Banks hasn't played organized football in over 10 years, but coach Pires thinks the 28-year-old is on par with the rookies coming out of college. From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

"I think he's taken advantage of the offseason," Pires said on Monday after the morning walk-through. "He's progressing well like all of the other young guys. I think he's going to have the opportunity." He had a good offseason. He works hard. He's very conscientious and ready to compete when we get ready for the preseason games."

Banks is listed as a middle linebacker on the depth chart, but he's been working at other positions. He's unlikely to earn a starting job with the Falcons, but at this point he has a good chance to make the final 53-man roster if he impresses in preseason.

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