Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 33 Days (Ricky Brookins)

Written By Alex Compton (@Alexncompton)

#33

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kick-off has begun! There are now 33 days until the Indiana Hoosiers kick-off the 2017 season against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Today’s countdown takes a look at Ricky Brookins.

Ricky Brookins (Redshirt Junior)

-Height: 5’8”
-Weight: 190 pounds
-Hometown: Terre Haute, Indiana
-Position: Running Back

We talked about freshman running back Morgan Ellison earlier in the week, and he has become a guy to watch now due to projected starter Camion Patrick’s career ending due to a medical hardship waiver. Ricky Brookins is a guy that has bounced back from a major injury to carve out a nice role for the cream and crimson. He came on strong at the year, posting the best game of his career in the Foster Farms Bowl, where he ran the ball 12 times for 52 yards. He worked his tail off and earned a scholarship before the start of last year, and now he figures to be one of IU’s mainstays in the backfield during the 2017 season.

The thing that I like about IU’s backs this year is the versatility in their games. They all bring something a little bit different to the table, but on the surface, they can all run and catch the ball effectively. Brookins is also a viable option in the kickoff return game, and I would expect to see him in that role for most of the season this year as well. Assuming everyone is healthy heading into the season, I think you’re looking at Devonte Williams as your starter, with Mike Majette and Ricky Brookins as your backups. I think Majette will spell Williams more often, while Brookins will end up being a lethal third down and screen game back.

When looking at “breakout” candidates on both sides of the ball, I think Brookins is a guy you absolutely have to include in any conversation. He is a versatile, experienced weapon on offense that should see the largest workload of his career. On top of that, he’s always one of the best interviews in the room and been more than happy to sit down with Hoosier Huddle over the years. Check back tomorrow for a legacy profile on another running back who just so happens to be one of the greatest Hoosiers ever.