Alabama strikes gold with commitment from electrifying WR

Lotzeir Brooks is one of the most impressive wide receiver prospects in the country who many are just starting to know. Brooks has flown under the radar despite tying a New Jersey state record for receiving touchdowns in a season (22). He’s on the radar now after announcing a commitment to Alabama on Saturday evening. 

Brooks earned an offer from Alabama after participating in the Tide’s camp in June. He had 25 offers prior to the decision earlier this week, including the most recent from USC. Brooks, however, doesn’t have a X/Twitter account. He didn’t post any offers on his Instagram account (besides the Trojans). 

Brooks also hasn’t attended any college camps outside of Alabama’s, or showcase camps with numerous of other prospects. Those factors typically don’t assist in helping a player with a ranking or national notoriety. It was clear Brooks didn’t worry about rankings or offers. His early focus was on Alabama – and a commitment to the Tide.

Brooks family 100-percent with Alabama

“I told the staff yesterday,” Brooks said after informing BOL of his commitment on Wednesday evening. “I told Coach Shep, and the rest of the staff started texting me about how excited they were to have me.

“Honestly, I really decided after meeting with Coach Shep last week. I knew it was the right place for me. I know I don’t want to be anywhere else. My family feels great about the decision. My mom went on the visit with me. She is down 100-percent with Alabama.”

On3 Analysis of new Alabama WR commit (On3+)

Brooks also told BOL he loves the “competition and staff” at Alabama. He had a great talk with Coach DeBoer about how even something “as small as a fist bump can go a long way.” The Tide’s new coach expressed how much Brooks was liked by the staff. He gives a lot of credit to Coach Shephard in reigniting his initial love for Alabama. 

“I really liked the staff a lot, especially Coach Shep,” he said. “He gives off cool uncle vibes. He told me how bright my future can be at Alabama. I can’t wait. 

“I really liked Alabama with the previous staff. I wasn’t sure if the new staff would still recruit me. Coach Shep saw my name on the recruiting board when he arrived. He evaluated and started really recruiting me.”

A return to Tuscaloosa is set for May 31 when he arrives for an official visit. He does not intend to take any other visits outside of Alabama. 

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The 5-foot-10.5, 180-pound athlete captured the offer he desired last summer, and he shifted his focus to his junior season. Brooks managed 61 receptions for 1,295 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also added two rushing scores. He has six games with more than 100 yards. 

Brooks helped his high school team win the state championship, his second in three years. He has already tied the state record in receiving yards (3,355) and touchdowns (51). Alabama then lost its wide receivers coach, Holmon Wiiggins, before Nick Saban announced his retirement. He was unsure where this left things between him and Crimson Tide.

The blazing athlete who clocked a 4.40 40-yard dash at Alabama’s camp last summer still somehow managed to stay almost off-the-recruiting grid, at least from a public view. Enter Coach Kalen DeBoer and the new coaching staff, including wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard. Coach Shep contacted Brooks almost immediately upon arriving at Alabama, and the Tide was still high on the record-setting star. 

Once again – no social media posts or even an indication of visit plans. Brooks met with the staff for the first time on April 5. He was not asked to return for a camp for further evaluation. Alabama knew they wanted Brooks based on what they saw from the summer camp film and junior footage. The new staff just needed an opportunity to meet.

Brooks recently visited Tennessee. He was set to visit Kentucky this weekend. He has been recruited by former Alabama OL coach Eric Wolford (area recruiter while previously working with the Crimson Tide). He knew after the visit to Tuscaloosa the decision was an easy choice, and cancelled the plans to Lexington. 

Must-Watch: Junior Season Highlights

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