Unsung Brooks impresses at Spring Game

Hope springs eternal.

This spring, there might be new hope in an old figure.

Chris Brooks's career as a Cornhusker wide receiver feels like it's lasted an eternity.

The former four-star recruit came to Nebraska in 2005 amid much fanfare and hype. He was big, strong, fast. He could jump up and come down with passes just as easily as he could punish someone over the middle.

He was expected to be an immediate contributor to the Bill Callahan era. Instead, Brooks has battled playing time, injuries and expectations.

He has three career receptions and one touchdown.

In Saturday's annual Red-White Spring Game, he gave the team and fans new hope, catching five passes, one for a touchdown. Linebacker-turned-quarterback Latravis Washington looked his way often.

His performance impressed offensive coordinator Shawn Watson.

"Brooks really made a stake and claim as to what he wants to achieve," Watson said. "(There appears a) new purpose in his career, and it really came out today."

Brooks went from forgotten man to intriguing figure in a matter of two spring weeks.
No one knows what to expect from Brooks — not even Brooks himself. He doesn't play the expectations game, preferring to focus on enjoying himself.

"My goal was to have fun," Brooks said. "My family was here, and I wanted to have fun. And that was it. It was a good feeling getting in the end zone and having fun out there."

Brooks's family is a little atypical. When he came to Nebraska in 2005, he had a family member his teammates didn't — a son.

Now, Chris Brooks Jr. is five years old. He was there Saturday, watching his dad out on the field.

"I wanted to make at least one catch for my son so he can jump up and down," the elder Brooks said.

Brooks's last play in the game was a four-yard touchdown catch. He said he didn't need it as a confidence boost.

"I try to come to work and try to come to work hard," Brooks said. "It was a blessing to be in that position. I was in a great position to catch a football and make a great play."

Brooks walked out of the locker room with a limp. Another day, another injury.

This time it's a strained groin. Sometimes, he said, he wouldn't have any luck if it wasn't bad luck.

"That's the game," Brooks said. "After the first practice, you're never going to be 100 percent. That's life."

Don't look for him to say he regrets playing football or that injuries have slowed his development.

"I try not to blame anything on injuries," Brooks said. "It's life, and that's what happens when you play football. You fight through them and get better."

Brooks has no more time for excuses. He's entering his senior season and is in the middle of an eclectic mix of receivers looking for playing time.

Brooks can't boast playing experience, but he won't be outworked. And he's not concerned where his name falls on the depth chart.

"I don't look at it," he said. "I always get asked that. I just play football. That's where those coaches get their raise making that decision. I'll just compete hard."

Brooks will never be a superstar. He may not even see much time out on the field this fall because of injuries.

But don't label him a bust just yet.

There's still hope. The evidence was found on the playing field Saturday.

mikeschaefer@dailynebraskan.com