Brian Banks to Try Out for Seahawks After Serving Five Years in Prison for Falsely Accused Rape Case

Brian Banks' first few steps toward rejoining society lead right to a football field.

Banks, a former Long Beach Polytechnic football star, was freed after serving five years for a rape case in which he was falsely accused. Now, he's picking up right where he left off, as the Seahawks have agreed to hold a tryout for the former prep standout.

"This is what I have dreamed about my entire life," Banks said in a statement released by California Western School of Law. "I am ready to show the NFL what I am capable of doing. I want as many opportunities with as many NFL teams who are willing to give me a shot."

Banks, now 26, was accused of kidnap and rape in 2002, and faced up to 41 years in prison if convicted. He pleaded no contest, though, serving five years in prison and five years on parole before the purported victim admitted that the story was fabricated. A judge threw out Banks' conviction last Thursday.

Pete Carroll, now the head coach of the Seahawks, was the head coach of USC at the time of Banks' conviction. He offered Banks a scholarship at the school before everything unraveled for the talented linebacker.

Now, things are suddenly looking bright again.

Photo via Twitter/@toniamoore