Kennedy Brooks was a 4 star prospect out of Mansfield, Texas. Being a native from the DFW, Brooks received offers from a number of in-state schools like Baylor and Texas. He ultimately chose to go across the border to Norman, Oklahoma. Under the coaching of Lincoln Riley, the 5-11 215 back would have 3 consecutive 1,000 rushing yard seasons and a shot at the college football playoff. He redshirted his first year at Oklahoma (2017).
In 2018, he saw his first action. He was 2nd in RB carries sharing the field with Kyler Murray, Trey Sermon, and Rodney Anderson. Although he shared the backfield with future NFL picks, he managed to have his breakout performance against Baylor (8 attempts for 107 yards and 2 touchdowns). He capped the year with 1056 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Through the air, the offense didn’t feature running backs as passing threats. With Kyler’s rushing ability there wasn’t a need to dump off passes to the running backs. No running back had more than 12 receptions that season.
The 2019 season is when Brooks captured the lead role in the backfield with future NFL draft picks Trey Sermon and Rhamondre Stevenson on the roster. Having another rushing QB in Jalen Hurts, Brooks continued to not be a feature in the passing game. In fact, no running back topped 10 receptions this season. However, he got it done on the ground again averaging 6.5 yards per carry. This would mark the second time Brooks eclipsed the 1,000 rushing yard mark. The highlight of his game log showed an eye popping 22 attempts for 160 yards and a touchdown against Ok State in Bedlam. Brooks opted out the 2020 season due to Covid concerns. That opened the door for Rhamondre to seize the lion’s share of carries.
Even though the 2021 season would mark Brooks’ 5th year at Oklahoma, he was still considered a redshirt junior. He continued his dominance from the 2019 season, increasing his production again. He rushed for 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns on 198 attempts. However, his lack of work in the passing game had a different root cause. In previous seasons, the QBs typically didn’t throw to running backs, but this season the Sooners had Tennessee transfer Eric Gray. The transfer running back caught 23 receptions for 229 yards and 2 scores. It remains to be seen if Brooks can be a 3 down back in the NFL. He ended his career at Oklahoma on high note playing for Bob Stoops against Oregon. He put up 142 yards and 3 scores against the Ducks in the Alamo Bowl.
Kennedy Brooks was a UDFA signed by the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2022 NFL Draft. The Eagles backfield is a crowded committee. Brooks would need to beat out Sanders, Gainwell, and Scott for touches. All three are considered all-purpose backs.
