Sophomore linebacker Sam Brooks and junior wide receiver Mark Pope are ready to step into much bigger roles for the Miami football team in 2020.
Sophomore linebacker Sam Brooks proved his value to the Miami football team in 2019 with 12 tackles in his only start against Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl. In 2020 Brooks is challenging to be a starter next to redshirt senior Zach McCloud, Redshirt junior Brandon Jennings Jr. is Brooks’ biggest challenger.
In eight games as a freshman in 2019, Brooks made 18 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. However the depth chart breaks down, Brooks will be a part of the main rotation with McCloud and Jennings. Redshirt freshman Avery Huff is likely to be the fourth LB in the Miami rotation in 2020.
Brooks is still learning how to play LB. In high school Brooks was primarily a rush defensive end. Brooks and Huff have both been impressive during training camp. The Miami coaching staff wants a versatile defense in 2020 with the uncertainty of who will be available from game to game.
Brooks has rotated between middle LB and the weakside LB according to co-defensive coordinator Blake Baker. The depth for Miami in 2020 with the aforementioned LBs, Waynmon Steed returning from injury, as is Jennings and freshmen Tirek Austin-Cave and Corey Flagg give the coaching staff confidence.
"“And Brooks and Avery Huff. Sam has done a phenomenal job for us rotating between Mike and WILL, and Avery has done some good things. We have a lot of depth in that room. I’m really excited to watch this linebacker room continue to grow. They’ve gotten a lot better in the past month. I’m excited about the future.”"
Junior wide receiver Mark Pope is ready to step into a starting position in 2020 after gradually earning more playing time as a sophomore in 2019. Pope had 18 receptions for 266 yards and two touchdowns in 2019. Pope is only one of four WRs on the Miami roster who has recorded a reception in college.
Senior Mike Harley and junior Dee Wiggins are projected to be the starters at WR with Pope. Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Payton who had one reception last season is expected to push the trio for playing time. Pope was a four-star signee in 2018 who some analysts expect to have a breakthrough season in 2020.