Alabama second-year wide receiver looked like a different guy this spring, per DeBoer

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks (17) attempts to make a catch in the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kalen DeBoer feels Lotzeir Brooks looked like a different player during the Alabama Crimson Tide’s spring practice. Brooks is a sophomore for the Crimson Tide, and he is a native of New Jersey.

The former four-star played in 14 games for the Tide as a freshman last season with one start. He finished the year with 441 yards and two touchdowns and used the momentum he gathered from his play to have a great spring.

“Lotzeir Brooks came on strong at the end of the year,” DeBoer said. “He really had a great spring, just mindset. It’s a whole different guy from where it was a year ago. A lot of momentum with him.”

Brooks best game of the 2025 season was against Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football Playoff. He pulled in five receptions for 79 yards and two touchdowns in the Alabama win. Alabama’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said he knew Brooks would have a big game before the game started while talking to reporters after Brooks’ head-turning performance.

“I just had a feeling,” Grubb said. “I said before the game that I felt like Lotzeir was in a position with this game plan to step up. But we see it every week from 17 on the practice field. … I don’t think there’s anyone on that sideline that was surprised a bit that 17 made those plays. He’s a stud.”

The New Jersey native is expected to be a trusted playmaker for Alabama in the fall.