In 2019, Marcel Brooks appeared to be a promising talent on LSU’s football defense. The highly-rated defender made a quick impression as a player in the rotation. However, after just one season with the Tigers,Brooks transferred to TCU.
Now, following the 2024 season, Brooks’ college career with the Horned Frogs came to an end after five years.
Under defensive coordinator Dave Aranda in 2019, Brooks participated in 118 plays and concluded the season with 11 pressures and two sacks. He took on a multi-faceted role in blitz situations, highlighting his adaptability as a pass rusher.
In June 2020, Brooks became part of the Horned Frogs. Although transferring was less typical back then compared to today, Brooks chose to move closer to his hometown during the pandemic. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, he was anticipated to become a standout player at LSU, making his transfer unexpected.
Brooks took part in six plays for TCU in 2020 before transitioning to the offensive side. In 2021, as a wide receiver, he completed five catches for a total of 46 yards. The following season, he went back to his original position, but only saw action on 63 snaps with the Horned Frogs team that reached the 2022 national championship game.
During his fourth and fifth seasons, Brooms participated in a total of 154 plays, recording 17 pressures and four sacks. Eventually, Brooks accumulated 223 defensive snaps over five years in Fort Worth.
It’s simple to reflect and wonder, “What might have been?” with Brooks at LSU. His five-star potential was clear, and he gained playing time on a squad loaded with future NFL stars. However, Brooks’ decision to move schools made sense. We witnessed multiple athletes transfer in 2020 due to the uncertainty surrounding the college football season, with players preferring to be nearer to home.
Additionally, it’s difficult to determine whether Brooks’ success would have carried over at LSU. In 2020, LSU transitioned to a 4-2-5 defensive scheme under Bo Pelini, and Brooks wouldn’t have had a clear position in that setup.
This piece first was published on LSU Wire:What occurred to former LSU football five-star player Marcel Brooks after moving to TCU?
