WHAT BROOKS’ COMMITMENT MEANS FOR TENNESSEE?
It’s perhaps the first true sign that Tennessee could become real players in the state of Alabama with the three-headed tandem of Pruitt, Ansley and Tee Martin.
Using their prior connections, the Vols have tried to poach some top prospects from the state the last few cycles, but they’ve swung and missed against the in-state powers.
Not this year.
Two of the Vols’ highest-rated commits come from Alabama — Brooks and 4-star wideout Jordan Mosley. It might just be a one-year blip (with as much staff turnover there’s no guarantee all three guys are here in 2021) but for now, these relationships are playing off.
Coach Whiddon noted as much, citing his connection with Tennessee’s staff, as well as Brooks’ comfort with Pruitt, Ansley and others.
“It’s huge. We know who they are. I know who they are,” Whiddon said.
“Cedric played with Derrick there at Troy. They’re all from Alabama and they were all high school coaches at one time. They know about us. They know about them. It’s almost like talking to family. (Brooks) just feels like he’s at home. He really enjoys his visits when he goes up there and gets with them. I think that’s the key to it all.”
Brooks fills a huge need for Tennessee, as the Vols are desperate for pass rush help. They hope that Bama-pipeline continues too, looking to pair Brooks with 4-star Jeremiah Williams of Birmingham (Ala.) Ramsey High. Other pass rush targets include Smael Mondon, Travali Price, Demeioun Robinson and Zavier Carter.
The Vols will have to hold off Auburn, which is just an hour away from home and where Brooks has a family connection, and LSU for the 4-star edge rusher, but they just landed a big piece to the 2021 class.
