Former IMG Academy standout Ja’Corey Brooks, a top 30 recruit in the Class of 2021, had more than three dozen scholarship offers from all across the country before he committed to Alabama in May of 2020. Brooks played three seasons at Alabama before deciding to transfer.
Brooks’ phone started ringing with calls from schools all around the country.
But he didn’t take long to make a decision this time.
Brooks, a 6-foot-2, 195-pounder, only went on one official visit, to Louisville, where he committed to the Cardinals. He’s one of 16 transfer commits already on Louisville coach Jeff Brohm’s list.
“We kind of knew exactly what we were looking for this time,” Joey Brooks, Brooks’ father, told Cardinal Authority. “They checked every box.” Some of the coaches were familiar to me, and the head coach made me feel comfortable. This is an excellent opportunity for him to gain opportunities and reps to demonstrate his abilities.
“This is a great spot for him.”
Brooks concurs.
Brooks, a former five-star prospect, told Cardinal Authority that his past contact with University of Louisville recruiting coordinator John Herron (Coach Hova) got the ball rolling, and once on campus, he was sold on the Cardinals.
“I had a relationship with coach Hova since my ninth grade year” said Brooks. “He was looking for me. So the relationship has always been mutual and love-filled.
“Once I spoke with him and he got me up here on a visit, I spoke with coach McGee, and I really liked him.” He was telling me about the offense and the opportunities, which were all fantastic.”
Brooks stated that after arriving on the visit and learning more about the offense, his decision was simple.
“As soon as I got with coach McGee and he put on the film, I was like ‘Yeah man this offense is one I can see myself being in’,” he told reporters. “This is a place where I can advance to the next level.”
“I can see the guys from where I’m from (South Florida), like Teddy Bridgewater and Tutu (Atwell), and the list goes on and on.” I believe I can come in and make a significant contribution. “I’m looking forward to (Louisville).”
Brooks had 57 receptions, 896 yards passing, and 10 touchdowns during his time at Alabama. He started all 15 games as a freshman and carved out a more substantial place in the Tide’s wide receiver rotation later in the season, while also seeing time on special teams. He finished his rookie season with 15 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns, with all of his receptions and yards coming in the final six games.
Brooks came up big in Alabama’s 2021 national championship season, receiving a 28-yard touchdown pass in the dying seconds of regulation to tie the Iron Bowl game against Auburn at 10-10. To keep their title chances alive, the Crimson Tide won that fame in four overtimes. He caught a touchdown pass in the College Football Playoff semifinals and was targeted nine times for six catches for 47 yards in the national championship triumph over Georgia.
Brooks had 39 catches for 674 yards and tied for third in the SEC with eight touchdowns in 2022. Brooks had only three catches for 30 yards last season and was restricted by a shoulder ailment late in the season.
Brooks will begin classes at the University of Louisiana next month.
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