2008 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not start the season opener, but earned the starting spot at middle linebacker the next five games…Injured his knee at NT and missed the final six games of the season…Finished ninth in tackles despite playing in only six games…Made
eight tackles at Illinois and at Kansas State.

2007 (Freshman): Redshirted, did not play…Four-time Defensive Scout Team Player of the
Week vs. Ohio, North Texas, Tennessee and FIU.

West Mesquite: Ranked 53rd nationally among weakside linebackers according to Scout.
com…In addition to playing linebacker, was the leading rusher each of his last two
seasons.

Personal: Full name is Richard Earl Brooks…Born Nov. 12, 1988…Son of Richard and Vera
Brooks…Has one brother and one sister.