Clemson running back Zac Brooks is just waiting on his moment to shine. Let’s take a look back at his journey to get to where he is now.
Junior running back Zac Brooks is just waiting on his moment to shine while helping others get better in the process.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I gave you a list of running backs who could get the job done behind Wayne Gallman and told you Zac Brooks was the best option. Since the Louisville game, Brooks has begun to get more carries, more playing time, and in turn, more success. Let’s take a look back at his career and what he has done since arriving at Clemson.
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As a freshman, Zac Brooks saw the field behind players like behind guys like Andre Ellington and Roderick McDowell. His playing time was sparse, but he ended up tallying 119 yards on 26 carries in just eight games.
In 2013, he became one of the primary backups behind Roderick McDowell and finished the season third in rushing on the team, only behind McDowell and Tajh Boyd. In 10 games, Zac Brooks had 48 carries for 246 along with six receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Brooks was poised to take over the starting position in 2014 when he suffered a foot injury that caused him to miss the season. Luckily, he did not lose a year of eligibility due to a redshirt, but the road back to 100% became a long one.
He worked and rehabbed day in and day out, while he watched his teammates go on to win 10 games and beat Oklahoma in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Brooks still wasn’t ready to go when the spring game came around and continued to rehab that injured foot.
To many, the idea of rehabbing for a year just to come back and compete for playing time seems like a lose-lose situation. Not for Brooks, however. He used his time wisely and invested in the younger players. He became a leader in the locker room and a mentor to the running backs. He has begun to show the others what they can do better and has also learned from some of his earlier mistakes
"“I told him first and foremost, understand you’re importance to me is never going to be measured by statistics and how many times you carry the ball,” Elliott told the Anderson Independent. “For me, I look at the motivation of your heart and the works of your hands. The culture in our running backs room would not be what it is without Zac Brooks and that leadership he provides just because of the perseverance, his daily commitment to be his best, to persevere, to always have a positive attitude.”"
Instead of Zac Brooks giving up or deciding to worry about himself, he worked hard rehabbing his foot while investing in the younger players. Because of him, the Clemson running backs are better. And now, Brooks is finally getting his moment.
Betsided
After the long road back, Zac Brooks is now finally getting his chance to show what he is capable of doing. He is getting more and more playing time as the season progresses and is now up to 106 yards rushing on 12 carries for the season.
In addition to his rushing ability, Zac Brooks does a great job in the pass-blocking department, as well as catching the ball out of the backfield, but what he has done for the Clemson football program will extend to way more than just the football field.
We wish Zac Brooks nothing but the best going forward and thank him for what he has done, not just as a football player, but as a leader and mentor in the Tiger locker room.
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