Tahj Brooks: Texas Tech's Running Back Emerges as a Game Changer
By Jason Bolton August 01, 2024 12:07
Only a few in college football have had the footprint on their team that running back Tahj Brooks has for this Texas Tech Red Raiders program. Brooks developed from a respected recruit to an impact player over the course of his career, showing not only on tape but also in-game how much his abilities mattered. In this piece, we'll go into his career thus far at Texas Tech and how well he has performed to serve as a linchpin on the offensive side of the ball.
Career Overview
Early Years and Recruitment
Tahj Brooks, who had been raised in Texas, began high school at Manor High School and immediately proved himself an outstanding competitor. He earned all-district (first team) for two consecutive years. Brooks is a highly touted prospect who committed to Texas Tech in June 2019 as part of the Red Raiders' 2020 recruiting class.
College Career
He had an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2020. He ran for 255 yards on 69 carries, scoring four in ten games. From his outlet game to what was still formative, it provided the space for one of college basketball's most exciting careers at Texas Tech.
Brooks played an increased role in 2021, starting four of nine games and pacing the team with 568 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Also, Brooks continued his strong play in 2022, totaling another seven scores while rushing for 691 yards on 147 carries. It was as good a game that his steady play established him as the team's top rusher, showing he can perform in crunch time.
Breakout Season in 2023
Ultimately, he turned his fortunes in 2023. He took the Big 12 by storm and finished the season with 1,541 rushing yards on just under five-and-a-half yards per carry (5.3), culminating in ten touchdowns scored. He became the focal point of the Texas Tech offense and one of the leading rushers in America, 4th nationally with rushing yards per game by an FBS player. Brooks became the first Texas Tech running back to surpass 1,000 yards in a season since DeAndre Washington accomplished that feat in his junior year in 2015.
Key Stats and Achievements
Balanced out by Brooks and how he has changed as a player, which is demonstrated in his statistics.
2023 Season Stats:
- Rushing Attempts: 290
- Rushing Yards: 1,541
- Average Yards per Carry: 5.3
- Touchdowns: 10
- Career Stats:
- Total Rushing Yards: 3,055
- Total Touchdowns: 28
- Yards per Carry, Career Average: 5.1
In 2023, he was named first-team All-Big 12 and was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award as one of college football's best running back. He has been a key contributor to the Texas Tech offense because of his ability to perform at such an elite level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Brooks is a physical runner who has speed and breakaway ability, as well as the strength to run over tacklers or push through them for additional yards. Measuring 5'10" and carrying a sturdy 230 pounds, per head coach Ken Niumatalolo, Perry has the type of stocky build capable of navigating defenses.
Key Strengths:
Football Vision and Patience: Brooks showcases great field vision, which allows him to locate holes in a defense's back end. His patience for holes to open is a crucial aspect of his running game.
Power and Balance: His strength allows him to break tackles and keep his balance while weaving through defenders. His long runs result from his ability to avoid going down on first contact.
Passing Game: While he is best known as a runner, Brooks has also proven capable in the passing game, aiding as an outlet receiver. That makes him a dual threat, which gives Texas Tech even more to work with.
Future Projections
A lot is expected of Brooks as he heads into his 2024 season. This move shows his commitment to furthering his skills at Texas Tech and stepping up as a team leader for another year. Brooks has the chance to set even more records and only add further evidence to his mystique as a transformational athlete, in addition to being capable of firmly suggesting that he is indeed on another level.
Potential Impact
Elevated leadership: Already regarded as a strong veteran leader for his experience and know-how, he will likely have an enhanced role in guiding the team through challenges while serving as a coach-player on road trips.
More production: Brooks may even top his 2023 stats and challenge for a sky-high mark, like rushing for over 2,000 yards, if he keeps doing the things that led to him having such a successful run.
NFL aspirations: He's is still developing, but he will draw NFL scouts to McGraw Athletic Center. Some are already projecting him as a draft pick if he plays anywhere near the level of his production this season.
Tahj Brooks arrives as a complete chase playmaker and arguably the biggest impact player for the Texas Tech Red Raiders on both sides of the ball. His stats, his play, and the things he brings impetus will make him a big asset to this team. Texas Tech fans and football analysts alike await to see what the next chapter holds for this gifted running back. Brooks has the potential and work ethic to be a not-so-secret weapon with Texas Tech in college football traction.
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