Can Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks become a League Winner at the next level?
Much like the current landscape of dynasty fantasy football, the running back position in Devy leagues is a barren wasteland of broken promises. Just one season after All-World talent Bijan Robinson has left for the NFL, and we’re left with an extensive list of questions marks surrounding the top tier of running backs in the college game. Be it injuries, inefficiency or the dreaded sophomore slump, we’ve seen the stocks of former premium assets take a major hit this season.
Before we hit the panic button, keep in mind the fragile nature of the position; and all the factors that have made the zero RB theory a prominent strategy in dynasty can also work in our favor.
We’ve seen a number of running backs over the past few seasons burst onto the scene with just one season of college production. Coming out of nowhere and getting premium NFL draft capital, players like Josh Jacobs and Clyde Edwards-Helaire come to mind. Kenneth Walker turned one very productive season at Michigan State into a second round selection and vaulted himself as a premier dynasty asset during his rookie campaign.
While we may becoming frustrated with the talent at the top of our rankings, identifying and acquiring a hidden gem with potential to rise during the draft process can have a huge impact on dynasty rosters.
So, who is a running back with the potential to impact our rosters in this way?
Jonathon Brooks
Running Back-Texas
6’0″ 207lbs
Jonathon Brooks is a having a breakout season for the University of Texas. A Junior that has waited for his opportunity behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, Brooks is now getting his opportunity to shine.
Brooks has also had to hold off 5⭐️ Freshman CJ Baxter to gain a grasp on the RB1 job for the Longhorns. Making the most of his opportunity, Brooks currently leads all Power 5 backs in rushing yards with 726. That includes five straight 100 yard games, highlighted by a 218 yard 2 touchdown performance versus Kansas.
Jonathon Brooks' numbers heading into the bye week are crazy.
-108 carries, 722 rushing yards (leads P5)
-6 rushing TDs (7 total TDs)
-847 total yards (leads Big 12)
-37 missed tackles forced (leads P5)
-460 yards after initial contact (2nd in P5) pic.twitter.com/4QeuVPFkjc— Hook'em Headlines (@HookemHeadlines) October 10, 2023
Brooks ranks 8th in rush attempts (108) so far this season. He also ranks 7th in PFF run grade (90.3) and 4th in missed tackles forced (39). All of which his put him squarely on the radar of NFL Draft scouts.
Bijan is irreplaceable.
But #Texas RB Jonathon Brooks has done a damn fine job filling his shoes in 2023. His acceleration and body strength/balance are fantastic.
Brooks is one of the better draft-eligible RB prospects I've studied 📈 pic.twitter.com/W2HYl69Rg7
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 5, 2023
Looking at some key metrics, Jonathon Brooks also stacks up admirably with the top ranked running backs in the class of 2024.
A versatile back with excellent vision and adequate athletic traits, Brooks has a three -down skill set that the NFL should covet.
With limited offers coming out of high-school, Brooks has always been a bit of an under the radar prospect. The people with first hand knowledge of Brooks’ game, however, have been praising him for a long time.
"Jonathon Brooks was no joke. At the 3A level, he was unfair."
The people least shocked about Brooks' breakout performance for #Hookem are the #txhsfb coaches who faced him at Hallettsville. I spoke to coaches from Llano, Jim Ned to hear their perspectivehttps://t.co/X43yZa1Rp0— Mike Craven (@CravenMike) October 4, 2023
It’s time for everyone else to catch on.
