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Miami Hurricanes LB Sam Brooks needs to get healthy and full speed

By Alan Rubenstein

Louisiana Tech's J'Mar Smith (8) looks to split University of Miami's defending Sam Brooks Jr. (6) and Nesta Jade Silvera (1) during the Walk-On's Independence Bowl game against University of Miami in Shreveport, La. on Dec. 26.4e9a7512
Louisiana Tech's J'Mar Smith (8) looks to split University of Miami's defending Sam Brooks Jr. (6) and Nesta Jade Silvera (1) during the Walk-On's Independence Bowl game against University of Miami in Shreveport, La. on Dec. 26.4e9a7512 /
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Miami Hurricanes linebacker Sam Brooks flashed his potential when he had 12 tackles and a half tackle for loss in the Independence Bowl against Louisiana Tech in 2019. Brooks followed that up with 37 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, one sack and two pass breakups during the 2020 season as the third LB in the Miami rotation.

With Zack McCloud moving from outside LB to defensive end, Brooks is projected to replace him if he can stay healthy. Brooks has been limited this spring with a toe injury according to Miami inside LB coach Jonathan Patke. If Brooks is healthy he is thought to be the best LB on the Miami Hurricanes roster.

Linebacker play was a concern for Miami in 2020. The Hurricanes too often had inconsistent play from throughout the LBs on the roster. Brooks played in 10 games last season with one start. Brooks played 346 defensive snaps in 2020 which was 43 percent of the defensive plays for Miami last season.

Brooks getting and staying healthy will help the Miami defense in 2021. In some aspects, Brooks is still learning to be a LB after playing DE in high school. Avery Huff who signed with Brooks in 2019, redshirt junior Waymon Steed and 2021 signee Deshawn Troutman are also competing to be the starting OLB in 2021.

"“He dealt with a toe injury last year, is still getting treatment on that. We know Sam can play. Played at a high level at the end of his freshman year. We have to get him healthy and running at full speed again.”"

Brooks has the potential to be a leader and one of the better players on the Miami defense entering his third season. With the NCAA granting an extra year of eligibility because of COVID-19, Brooks remains a sophomore. Head coach Manny Diaz added defensive coordinator responsibilities for the 2021 season.

dark. Next. Linebacker Corey Flagg competing for playing time

When Diaz was the DC for Miami from 2016-2018 he was also the OLB coach. A more hands-on approach from Diaz on defense could particularly help the LBs. Brooks staying healthy would be a big boost to the Miami defense. If Brooks can stay healthy in 2021, expect him to play far more than 50 percent of the defensive snaps.

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