SPARTANBURG, S.C. ? Appalachian State linebacker Pierre Banks has been named this week’s Southern Conference Student-Athlete of the Week, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Banks notched nine tackles, including one for loss, in the Mountaineers 35-24 victory over the Samford Bulldogs on Saturday. The senior helped lead a defense that allowed only 16 second quarter yards and no first downs. The Mountaineers, who were trailing 14-7 entering the second quarter, took a 28-14 lead into halftime.

In the classroom, Banks is a graduate student in media production. He carries a 3.91 GPA, having completed his bachelor’s degree in communications in just three-and-a-half years. He is scheduled to complete his masters in December. He is a finalist for the Draddy Award, which is given to the country’s top football scholar-athlete.

Also nominated for this week’s award were Western Carolina volleyball player Liz Rondone, Chattanooga volleyball player Courtney Barnes, Samford volleyball player Hillary Fountain, The Citadel women’s soccer player Jessa Scott, UNC Greensboro women’s golfer Erica Creed, Elon women’s soccer player Molly Calpin and Wofford football player Patrick Mugan. 

Student-Athlete of the Week

Week 1 - Andy Horn, Football, Western Carolina

Week 2 - Lauren Tomory, Cross Country/Tennis, Furman

Week 3 - Sarabeth Peele, Volleyball, Davidson

Week 4 ? Arlan Whittle, Women’s Soccer, Western Carolina

Week 5 - Cayley Winters, Women’s Soccer, Samford

Week 6 ? Caitlin Williams, Women’s Soccer, Western Carolina

Week 7 ? Pierre Banks, Football, Appalachian State