What growth led Alabama football’s freshman to have breakout game vs. Oklahoma?

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks (17) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Lotzeir Brooks was finally able to get into the scoring column as an Alabama wide receiver against Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Brooks, who is a product of New Jersey, verbally committed to Alabama as a three-star recruit and one of the most underrated wide receiver prospects in the country. He signed with the Tide after dominating New Jersey high school football, finishing his career as the state’s leader in receiving touchdowns.

The true freshman has carved out a role in the Tide’s wide receiver rotation in year one. Kalen DeBoer was asked about the growth he has seen from Brooks earlier this week.

“I think when it comes to the growth that he’s had this season, just understanding this is college football and the step that it takes from the preparation,” DeBoer said. “You don’t just roll out on the football field on a Saturday like he probably did when he was so much better than everyone he faced in high school and just go get it done. There’s timing because the windows are smaller. There’s focus, but you can see the plays he’s made, and I think about the Missouri catch on fourth down. I think about different ones he’s had throughout the years. He’s been more consistent than not, and that’s impressive for a freshman.”

Brooks pulled in five receptions for 79 yards and two touchdowns against the Sooners. His first touchdown came as a result of a spinning second-effort as he spun into the endzone to give the Tide its first points of the game.

DeBoer was surprised when he was told in his postgame press conference the score was the first of Brooks’ career.

“It caught me by surprise when you said something the other night, you guys brought up, that was his first touchdown,” DeBoer told reporters. “And just think about how many big plays he’s made for us that weren’t touchdowns, but he’s an important part of our offense.”

Alabama football welcomes the emergence of teh explosive freshman as it prepares to take on Indiana in the Rose Bowl.