Nick Saban reveals wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks sat out first half

Jalen Milroe was impressive on Saturday against Middle Tennessee State, finding guys downfield in the pass game. Three touchdowns helped him make Alabama history too, coming in just his second-ever career start. However, there was somebody missing out there from the wide receiver room during the first half.

Ja’Corey Brooks did not play in the first two quarters, with head coach Nick Saban confirming so during his postgame press conference.

“He was sitting out the first half,” Saban said.

Saban was about to expand on why Brooks was not present before stopping himself. He told the present media he understands they have a job. But he was not going to give a specific reason to why Brooks missed the first half. All we know is he did, in fact, not play early against Middle Tennessee State.

“I know you guys have a job to do and you know how much I love you and want to help you do your job,” Saban said. “But I’m not going to reveal to you what a guy did or didn’t do to put himself in a position where he sat out in the first half. But he sat out the first half.”

Even after getting on the field in the second half, Brooks did not record a statistic. A rare occurrence for the talented third-year wide receiver.

Brooks finished three yards behind last season’s leading receiver for Alabama, Jermaine Burton. He did have the most receiving touchdowns though, hauling in eight from Bryce Young. In what has been an up-and-down career at Alabama, this is another hiccup for Brooks.

Alabama certainly had weapons available for the three quarterbacks that played. Isaiah Bond was the first to connect with Milroe, while Burton and tight end Amari Niblack got involved as well. But having somebody like Brooks out there is never going to hurt. He can be a valuable piece in Tommy Rees‘ offense.

There is a chance Saban never reveals as to why Brooks did not play in the first half. His mini and light-hearted rant to the media proves he is not willing to give up information.

Brooks will be looking to get back involved next week. An important game against Texas will take place, with the eyes of the entire country being in Tuscaloosa. Having as many weapons as possible against a talented Longhorns defensive back room will be critical for Alabama.