DONE: Georgia crucial 5-star depart to Texas over Georgia and USC
The Texas Longhorns keep building up their roster with the addition of Grayson (Ga.) offensive tackle Nick Brooks, who announced his commitment on Friday.
BREAKING: Four-Star OT Nick Brooks has Committed to Texas, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’8 345 OT from Cedar Rapids, IA chose the Longhorns over Georgia and USC
“Everything is bigger in Texas.” 🤘🏼https://t.co/Be9xQrrT5P pic.twitter.com/pkgWDW6JSZ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 23, 2024
Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood continues to assemble one of the nation’s top offensive line groups, with Nick Brooks bringing both impressive size and significant potential. Ranked as the No. 180 player and No. 14 offensive tackle in the 247Sports Composite rankings, Brooks was a highly sought-after recruit, receiving 32 scholarship offers from major programs across the country. Although he initially committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes as a junior, Brooks reopened his recruitment less than two months later. He eventually narrowed his choices to USC, his home-state Georgia Bulldogs, and Texas, visiting all three schools during the summer.
Texas capitalized on having the final visit, ultimately persuading Brooks away from the hometown favorite Bulldogs.
Standing 6’7” and weighing 345 pounds, Brooks fits the profile of the large offensive linemen Texas has already seen success with, such as Connor Stroh and Cam Williams. However, due to his size and the fact that he has transferred schools four times in four years—playing his freshman year in Iowa, sophomore year in Georgia, junior year back in Iowa, and returning to Georgia for his senior year—Brooks may require more development time upon arrival.
His commitment pushes Texas up to No. 12 in the 247Sports Composite rankings, just behind the Oregon Ducks and close to breaking into the top 10.
Analysis by Daniel Seahorn:
(Note: We only have one game of senior year tape available for Brooks, as his junior year film was lost following his transfer.)
Brooks exemplifies the “large humans” that Kyle Flood prefers for his offensive line. Standing at 6’7” and weighing 345 pounds, he may not exhibit the same level of athleticism as Cameron Williams did coming out of Duncanville, but he shares similar size and presents a significant challenge for opposing defensive linemen. As a run blocker, Brooks showcases strong play strength, easily moving defenders off the line of scrimmage. His size and power allow him to overwhelm opponents, though he sometimes struggles with sustaining and finishing blocks as his footwork can falter. On tape, he demonstrates the ability to finish blocks, often driving defenders into the ground. He also shows good anticipation of defensive movement after the snap and has the coordination to be used as a puller. However, his pass-blocking abilities remain somewhat unknown, as he has yet to produce senior season tape in this area.