We have made it to July and SEC Football Media Days are coming soon.
The University of Alabama looks to return to the College Football Playoff in the fall and win a national championship. Nick Saban has several talented players, but which ones will emerge as the most impactful?
The staff at Touchdown Alabama Magazine will spotlight numerous players for the upcoming season.
After looking at Richard Young, we move to wide receivers and Ja’Corey Brooks starts the list.
Ja’Corey Brooks
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Position: Wide Receiver
Size: 6-2/195 pounds
2022 stats: 39 catches, 674 receiving yards, eight touchdowns (team-high), 17.3 yards per reception (team-high)
Strengths: Size, athleticism, sure hands, route-running, good with contested catches, versatility (special teams)
Weaknesses: Lacks top-end explosiveness
Summary
Ja’Corey Brooks does not amaze people with his speed, but he is the most reliable receiver on Alabama’s roster.
Nick Saban has highlighted how much he loves Brooks’ competitiveness and effort. He made the crucial game-tying touchdown reception against Auburn in the 2021 Iron Bowl as a freshman. Brooks returned in 2022 as the Crimson Tide’s leader for touchdown catches (eight) and yards per catch (17.3). He finished second for receptions (39) and receiving yards (674).
The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder gives a quarterback a dependable target.
Brooks has the talent to be the No. 1 option for Alabama as a wide receiver, but can he separate himself from others? He is competing against Jermaine Burton and Malik Benson (a junior college transfer) for a chance to be the No. 1 receiver.
He brings everything but elite top-end speed, but Saban knows what he has in Brooks.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
