|
2009 Outlook
Chris Brooks has moved himself into a position to earn playing time in the Nebraska receiving corps as a fifth-year senior in 2009. The 6-2, 215-pound Brooks has played in a reserve role throughout his career, but saw added playing time late in the 2008 season. He then stepped up during spring practice and culminated his work with a strong Red-White game, when he hauled in five passes, including a touchdown. Brooks has the size and athleticism to make an impact, and also has an excellent grasp of the Husker offense. He is among the leading candidates to fill the void left by the graduation of Nate Swift and Todd Peterson, who finished as two of the top five receivers in school history.
Brooks also emerged in 2008 as a key member of Nebraska’s punt and kickoff return units, and he once again figures to play a special-teams role in 2009. The St. Louis native is on track to earn his degree in economics in December of 2009. 2008 (Junior)
Brooks played in 11 games and made two catches for 27 yards. He did not have a reception in the first eight games, before catching a two-yard pass at Oklahoma. A week later, Brooks caught a 25-yard TD pass from Joe Ganz in the second quarter of Nebraska’s 45-35 win over Kansas. The reception came on a 3rd-and-10 play and tied the game at 14. Brooks missed the
Gator Bowl with a sprained ankle.
In addition to his role on offense, Brooks was involved with the special teams. Nebraska coaches noticed Brooks’ contributions in that department, naming him the special teams captain against Missouri and Oklahoma. Brooks made an unassisted tackle at Oklahoma.
2007 (Sophomore)
Brooks played in the season opener against Nevada and made his first career reception for four yards. He did not see additional action.
2006 (Redshirt)
Brooks did not see action and redshirted during the 2006 season.
2005 (Freshman)
Brooks played in four games (Maine, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Missouri) as a true freshman, but did not have a reception.
Before Nebraska (Hazelwood East HS)
Brooks was a standout for Coach Corey Johnson at Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis. Brooks had 66 receptions as a senior for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns, with a long reception of 77 yards. In the process, he helped Hazelwood East to a 9-4 record and a runner-up finish in Missouri’s Class 6A (state’s largest classification).
Brooks earned all-city honors in St. Louis each of his final three years of high school. He was ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the state of Missouri according to Rivals.com and among the top 15 receivers in the country according to the service. Brooks chose NU over his in-state school Missouri, and also received offers from Florida and Illinois.
Personal
Brooks is the son of Donnie Brooks and Marilyn McClure, and was born on Feb. 5, 1987. He is majoring in economics, and has volunteered with the Huskers’ team hospital visits.
Brooks' Career Statistics
|
Year |
G/S |
No. |
Yds. |
Y/R |
Y/G |
Long |
TDs |
| 2005 |
4/0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
0 |
|
2006 |
Redshirt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
1/0 |
1 |
4 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
4 vs. Nevada |
0 |
| 2008 |
11/0 |
2 |
27 |
13.5 |
2.5 |
25 vs. Kansas |
1 |
|
Totals |
16/0 |
3 |
31 |
10.3 |
1.9 |
25 vs. Kansas |
1 |
|
Courtesy: Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations
