One of the more anticipated returns for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2021 is running back Kennedy Brooks to the Sooners lineup. Even with the addition of Eric Gray, the excitement of Brooks’ return is palpable as the Sooners prepare their journey for a seventh straight Big 12 title.
After a year away — he opted out due to COVID concerns — Brooks is ready to continue the work he started in 2019. Brooks returns to an offense that is more experienced and more explosive than it was a year ago. The unit has three returning starters along the offensive line, and Wanya Morris and Andrew Raym have received rave reviews in spring and fall practices. The offensive line Brooks will run behind has a chance to be an even better unit than what the Sooners rolled out last season.
During the year off, Brooks didn’t sit idly by. He went to work looking to improve aspects of his game ahead of his return in 2021. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Brooks was asked what part of his game he worked to improve in his time away from the team.
I’d probably say I’m more explosive than I was a year ago. Definitely worked on my strength and my first step. Also catching the ball. Honestly, I just worked on everything, strengths and my weaknesses. It’s all coming together, but I’m just gonna take it day by day and stay consistent. – Brooks
That’s a scary thought for Big 12 defenses if Brooks is more explosive than he was before. In 2019, Brooks led the Sooners with 16 runs of more than 15 yards. He was second in the Big 12 on runs of more than 10 yards behind only Chubba Hubbard.
The Sooners missed the 2019 rushing leader in the early part of the 2020 season with Rhamondre Stevenson out of action due to a suspension. They struggled to run the ball in losses to Iowa State and Kansas State.
That shouldn’t be a problem in 2020. The running back group is deep in 2021, even after several offseason departures. With Brooks leading the way, the Oklahoma Sooners’ running back group has a ton of experience and explosion.