After helping the Utah Utes go undefeated and win the Sugar Bowl last season, what can Clear Creek grad Jereme Brooks do for an encore?
Well for one, the junior receiver is hopeful the team can accomplish the same feat and perhaps get into the national championship hunt this season.
“Last year was awesome,” Brooks said. “That was the most fun I’ve had since I first started playing football. The only goal we’ve set as a team for this season is to take one game at a time. But we hopefully can repeat what we did that season.”
Since stepping on the Utes’ field in 2007, Brooks has become an X-factor for the team.
In his first 25 games, eight starts, he’s totaled 45 receptions for 514 yards and three touchdowns. Brooks also has had 31 carries for 189 yards and four scores.
This year, Brooks is hoping to improve his numbers across the board.
“Hopefully, I’ll have at least 40 catches and seven touchdowns,” Brooks said. “I’m expecting my role will increase in the offense. I’ll probably have a few more runs, too.”
Brooks was an all-district and all-county selection his senior year at Creek. Brooks credited the offensive system that the Wildcats run for his ability to make an impact early at Utah.
“The offense was a lot similar in scheme,” Brooks said. “That made it a lot easier to learn. It definitely helped me here playing in an offense like that in high school.”
The recently released Texas Football magazine listed Brooks as one of the top 10 players in the Mountain West Conference with Texas Ties. He was No. 8 on the list.
Brooks will have a new quarterback throwing him the ball after the graduation of Utah senior Brian Johnson. That wouldn’t prevent him from reaching his lofty goals, though.
“If I play as well as I can, I know I can get those goals I set for myself,” Brooks said. “I’ve stayed out here in Utah this summer to work out more and do a lot of running. I feel like I’m in great shape, and I’m going to have a big season.”
