Dakyus Brinkley, son of Jasper Brinkley, a top defender in 2024

KATY, Texas – Colleges in the state of Texas began taking notice of 2024 EDGE prospect Dakyus Brinkley during the 2021 season. 

The son of former South Carolina and NFL linebacker Jasper Brinkley posted 36 tackles as a first-year starter.

As the season moved along, the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder began drawing interest from Kansas and Texas. And Brinkley watched them both play in Austin this season. 

“I’ve been to Texas,” Brinkley told On3 Tuesday. “I was there for the game against Kansas. It was cool for my first time seeing it from a recruit perspective.”

There is a belief at Seven Lakes High that Kansas could be the first to offer. Along with Texas, Texas A&M and Baylor have taken notice of Brinkley. 

Summer trips to Texas A&M, back to Texas and a special trip to South Carolina are likely. 

“I want to go to Texas A&M,” he said. I really want to get back to Texas because I liked the atmosphere and the fan base. And I really want to go to South Carolina because it’s a family thing.” 

Alabama, Oklahoma and Oregon were teams Brinkley watched the most growing up. And he tunes in to Sooners games with a keen eye. He plays at the same high school Oklahoma linebacker David Ugwoegbu did prior to heading to Norman. 

“Really like how he plays the game,” Brinkley said. “I can see myself growing into him as player. I try to copy his game a little here and there.” 

Learning the game from dad

Brinkley is always in a great position to learn more about game. He can literally sit on the couch in his house and learn from someone that played at the highest level. Dakyus and Jasper talk daily about the game. 

“Growing up, I was surrounded by sports, but football was the main thing,” Dakyus Brinkley said. “Football was the first love. Thats basically what I watched all the time, watched my dad. For sure, since freshman year we have watched my games. Me and my paps watch my game film and break it down every day. It’s a daily thing.” 

Brinkley says he made key developments in his first year on varsity in 2021. 

“I improved watching, and knowing the plays on the field and off,” He said. “I feel like I improved playing my gap, and maintaining what I am supposed to maintain. As a freshman, I was just running around the field because it was a freshman game.”

The Houston area linebacker knows exactly what he must do to ascend on the field next season. 

“To make more plays than I did this year. Be more of a team player, and just lead.”

Brinkley’s athletic bloodlines don’t just include his father. His uncle is Casper Brinkley, the twin brother of Jasper. Jasper Brinkley is married to former Olympic hurdler Kellie Wells-Brinkley.