Nick Saban Pleased with the Progression of Ja’Corey Brooks

Sophomore wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks missed the entire spring period because of an injury but has gotten off to a strong start in fall camp according to Nick Saban.

“Ja'Corey Brooks is doing really well,” Saban said on Wednesday. “Very competitive, smart, plays with a lot of toughness, very physical, doing a good. Has got really good hands.”

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Brooks, a former 5-star recruit and No. 2 ranked wide receiver in the 2021 recruiting class per the 247Sports Rankings appeared in all 15 games during his freshman campaign. He earned significant playing time on special teams, blocking a punt in a game against Texas A&M. Brooks played sparingly on offense, until Jameson Williams was ejected in the second quarter against Auburn, opening the door for Brooks to get an opportunity.

The Miami, Fla. native quickly introduced himself to the college football world, catching two passes on the Tide’s final possession in regulation, including a 28-yard touchdown with 24 seconds remaining that sent the game into overtime.

Brooks met with reporters for the first time at Alabama on Monday and talked about the moment that etched his name into Crimson Tide history.

“Honestly, I’m from Florida, so I didn’t know like how big the Iron Bowl was,” said Brooks in his first interview at UA. “I just went out there and took it play-by-play. But after I got to the sideline, Jamo told me it was a great catch. During that play, I was just executing and doing my job.”

“Pretty much when everybody sees me, they always say, ‘That was a great catch in the Iron Bowl. So I'm guessing it’s like that big. I’m still like shocked about it, but not really. I’m really looking forward to this year and how this game’s going to go.”

He connected with Bryce Young for a 44-yard touchdown just before the end of the first half against Cincinnati in the College Football Playoff and led all wideouts with 66 yards across four receptions.

Like many Alabama players during the Saban era, Brooks saw the example set before him. He watched Jameson Williams become college football’s most electrifying player in 2021 and play with an infectious energy. John Metchie embodied the Bama standard with his play on the field and the way he conducted himself. Slade Bolden, who appeared in 42 games during his Alabama career did whatever role was asked of him.

“As I was going through practices with those guys, I think John Metchie and Jamo and Slade, I was just watching those guys practice every day and how they go about practice,” Brooks said. “They used to compete every day, and I just take that in from them. I want to learn the offensive playbook and what to do as I see the defense.”

The Crimson Tide return to the practice field on Thursday, Aug. 11.