Miami football should inquire about LSU transfer portal LB Marcel Brooks
With depth questionable at linebacker and without much experience after the departure of Zach McCloud following the 2020 season, the Miami football program should inquire into LSU transfer LB Marcel Brooks.
Zach McCloud returns to the Miami football team in 2020 after redshirting in 2019. McCloud is entering his last season with the Hurricanes. Miami has very little experience at LB behind McCloud. Rising sophomore Sam Brooks made 12 tackles in the Independence Bowl loss in the first start of his career against Louisiana Tech.
Redshirt freshman Avery Huff is expected to compete with Brooks for playing time in 2020. Beyond Brooks and Huff are major question marks at LB for Miami following the 2020 season. Bradley Jennings Jr., Patrick Joyner and Waymon Steed have all dealt with injury problems throughout their college careers.
Tirek Austin-Cave and Corey Flagg are 2020 signees that project to have bright futures for Miami. Marcel Brooks is an extremely talented player that was listed as a safety by LSU but signed as a five-star LB in the Class of 2019. Brooks entered the transfer portal on Friday and is a player Miami should inquire into.
Brooks is 6-2, 194 pounds. As a true freshman for the National Champions in 2019 Brooks had eight tackles,1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He would be the perfect hybrid type player Miami needs at striker. rising junior Gilbert Frierson is the favorite to start for Miami at striker with sophomore Keontra Smith in the rotation.
Can confirm that LSU sophomore linebacker Marcel Brooks has entered the transfer portal.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) June 26, 2020
Former five-star recruit.
First reported by @Sheadixon.
Brooks is comparable to five-star recruit James Williams who named the Georgia and Miami football programs finalists for his commitment earlier this month. Brooks was the 32nd ranked signee in 2019, second-ranked outside LB and fifth-ranked player in Texas. With Miami, Brooks would likely have to sit out the 2020 season.
Miami currently has commits from 2021 three-star LBs Deshawn Troutman, Tyler Johnson and Ja’Corey Troutman. Brooks is a highly ranked player who would add experience and a national championship ring to the Hurricanes. At the very least Miami needs to inquire to see if Brooks is interested.