Unfortunately, star players outside the Power Five often get overlooked by NFL scouts and the national media. That seems to be the case with Louisiana Tech defensive back Myles Brooks.
Brooks began his career at the FCS level, playing for Stephen F. Austin. The cornerback recorded six interceptions and 17 pass breakups in three seasons at SFA, consistently performing well and making his presence felt.
He transferred to Louisiana Tech in 2022, where he recorded nine pass breakups and three interceptions. Brooks played well, taking full advantage of his tremendous physical tools, but Louisiana Tech went 3-9. He was clearly one of, if not the best, players on Louisiana Tech’s roster in 2022.
With a subpar 2022 record at the Group of Five level, Brooks didn’t earn the national attention his game commands.
Under-the-radar prospect
Brooks has elite size for a cornerback, standing taller than 6-feet and being listed at roughly 200 pounds. He’s big, and his ball skills impress. Brooks does well to track the ball and uses his eyes well while covering wide receivers.
Some college cornerbacks have the speed and size, but look outmatched when the ball is in the air. That’s not the case with Brooks. He does well to play the ball, which should interest NFL scouts. Brooks can create turnovers in the passing game, a huge plus for defenses looking to change the complexion of a game in the modern NFL.
Due to his college destinations, Brooks isn’t a well-known player by most football fans, but he has the ability to become a consistent contributor at the NFL level. Unfortunately for NFL teams currently interested in Brooks, there’s ample time between now and the draft, which means he could quickly shoot up draft boards in the coming months.
Brooks is headed to the NFL Combine, where a good performance could make him a Day 2 NFL Draft pick. At the very least, Brooks figures to hear his name called on Day 3 by an NFL team in need of help in the secondary.
Best fit in the NFL?
Given his ball skills and ability to read a quarterback, there’s reason to believe Brooks could thrive in a zone defense. Some of his best plays in 2022 came when he patrolled a zone, followed a quarterback’s eyes, and jumped a pass.
Regardless of exactly what scheme Brooks falls into, his size should make NFL general managers salivate. He’s an athletic, big cornerback who understands how to play the ball in the air. That combination of skills coupled with good defensive coaches could turn Brooks into a long-term NFL starter.
At minimum, look for Brooks to work his way into a secondary’s rotation in the next three years. If he falls into an ideal defensive scheme, he could become a dynamic performer at the next level.
Throughout his collegiate career, Brooks was overlooked because of where he played. His talent still stood out, and quality production in 2022 means the defensive back is more than likely headed to an NFL roster.
He’ll have a chance to shine on the brightest stage in football in the coming years. That’s a long time coming.
Bennett Conlin is a college football contributor for HERO Sports, and he works full-time covering sports betting industry news and legislation for Sports Handle and US Bets.
