Senior Jherkeem Banks has officially committed to Emory and Henry College to continue playing football while majoring in business. Emory and Henry College is a private liberal arts school in the Appalachian Highlands in Emory, Virginia. Emory and Henry is a division two school in the South Atlantic Conference. 

“When choosing a school I wanted it to feel like somewhere I’d feel comfortable staying at for years,” Banks said. “It’s similar to where I’ve lived my whole life.”

Banks had multiple offers from schools throughout Virginia including Hampden-Sydney, Christopher Newport University, Bridgewater, Lock Haven, and Ferrum, but ultimately Banks decided on Emory and Henry. 

“It felt like they wanted me the most out of all the schools that recruited me,” Banks said.

The big transition to college can be nerve-racking for some but Banks is looking forward to this new chapter.

“I’m just excited to continue playing football. It’s a chance for me to make new friends and memories,” Banks said. 

Banks will be joining Emory and Henry’s football team along with Lions quarterback Landon Wilson and full-back Austin Talley. 

“Playing with my teammates from high school is a plus,” Banks said. “I believe that it’ll help me ease into football and school more comfortably. I won’t start off on a completely new slate.”

Football is like a brotherhood for all of the players, with long practices and big games the bond between players is inseparable. 

“I’m excited to keep playing with JB,” Wilson said. “Football brought us really close together and I’m glad we can go to the next level together.”

As Banks prepares for the next level, he’s expecting to keep the same momentum that allowed him to help the Lions win their sixth straight Jefferson district this year. 

“I don’t expect to change anything, but I expect to improve,” Banks said. “I think I’ll get stronger, more athletic, and my football knowledge to grow.” 

Banks transferred to Louisa from Western Albemarle in tenth grade and joined the Lions junior varsity team that year before moving up to varsity his junior and senior years, giving him plenty of knowledge on football.

“There are five things I’d tell younger football players,” Banks said. “Work hard, learn the fundamentals, stay disciplined, be a team player, and have fun.” 

As Banks prepares for this big change, he thanks his coaches, teammates, and parents for his success throughout the years.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without the help and motivation of my parents,” Banks said. “My teammates helped motivate me and made me better during practice. My coaches helped lay a blueprint down for what I needed to do, I just needed to utilize the stuff they taught me.”