Ron Brooks Brings Right Attitude to LSU

By Jeff Flinn, NFLHS.com

When teams recruited Ron Brooks, they looked first at his athleticism. And while they were checking out his abilities, they were quick to notice his "can-do, will-do" attitude.

"I can play anywhere," Brooks said, "any position. Wherever they need me, that's where I'll play."

Apparently for new LSU head coach Les Miles, the Tigers can use a player with his ability and attitude, as Brooks will be calling Baton Rouge home for a while. He signed a Letter of Intent Feb. 7 to become the latest LSU Tiger.

Projected as a big-play wide receiver, the 6-0, 170-pound Brooks did a little bit of everything at Irving (Texas) MacArthur High School, where he showcased his receiving prowess during a junior season highlighted by 49 catches for 793 yards and 13 touchdowns.

As a senior, he moved under center, where he utilized his blazing speed as quarterback -- he has been clocked at 4.4 in the 40 -- to run for 1,264 yards and 19 touchdowns on 183 carries (6.9 yards per attempt), going over 2,000 yards in total offense.

Brooks can also play cornerback when the need arises.

But it is as a receiver that he is at his best. There, he can utilize his speed and strength to get the ball, and his elusiveness to make big things happen after the catch.

The hard-working Brooks benches 225 and squats 405, but points to his strength as something he hopes to improve on with additional work, as well as improving his route-running ability.

His strengths include excellent hands and a vertical leap of 32 inches that he uses to out-jump defenders and make highlight-reel plays.

"I'm a good receiver and I can make things happen," he says, "I'm awfully quick and I'm able to catch the ball and once I do, I can get up the field."

Brooks said he enjoyed watching the Tigers play last season, and hopes to contribute soon.

"They throw the ball really well and me being a receiver, that's what I like to see," he said. "JaMarcus Russell had a great season and they're run and gun; I liked that a lot."

With the departure of Russell to the NFL, it remains to be seen if LSU can duplicate the successes of a year ago, but with recruits like Brooks, their future appears bright.

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.