Longhorns RB Jonathon Brooks Expected To Be Cleared For Start Of Training Camp
Jonathon Brooks should be piledriving his way into the end zone sooner than some expect.
According to NFL Network, the Texas Longhorns running back is expected to be cleared for the start of training camp after undergoing season-ending surgery in November. Brooks will travel to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine this week, but will not participate in drills.
Brooks didn't miss a beat replacing Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson in Texas' backfield. After surpassing C.J. Baxter on the depth chart, the Halletsville native posted eight consecutive games of 98 yards or more prior to suffering a torn ACL in Week 11's win over TCU.
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Consistency set the tone for Texas on its way to a Big 12 title. Brooks posted four straight 100-yard outings, including a 218-yard, two-touchdown outing against Kansas. He finished with 1,139 yards on 187 carries and totaled 10 touchdowns.
Brooks also averaged 6.1 yards per attempt, second-most in the Big 12 behind Kansas' Devin Neal and UCF's RJ Harvey (6.3). The redshirt sophomore also averaged 11.4 yards per catch on 25 receptions.
When healthy, Brooks has everything teams covet in a lead rusher. He's decisive with his cuts and elusive past the first line of defense. In the open field, Brooks can hit a second and third gear to blow past defensive backs for ample gains and consistent first downs.
Scouts are concerned about his play weight. Listed at 207 pounds, Brooks could be a rotational back to begin his career while tacking on a few pounds to better his body for hits at the next level.
Per NFL Network's latest draft rankings, Brooks is listed as the No. 1 running back prospect, though there's competition for the top spot. Tennessee's Jaylen Wright, Oregon's Bucky Irving, Florida State's Trey Benson, and Notre Dame's Audric Estime are all potential options to gain ground with a promising outing at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Eleven Longhorns will look to boost their draft stock over the five-day combine event this week, including receivers Adonai Mitchell, Xavier Worthy, and Jordan Whittington, defensive lineman Byron Murphy and T'Vondre Sweat, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, linebacker Jaylan Ford and offensive tackle Christian Jones.
