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Bounce back season? Jalen Brooks says 2021 is focused on making plays
By Keith Farner
Published:
South Carolina WR Jalen Brooks had to wait longer than expected to get on the field last season because of eligibility delays. Now he’s ready to make up for lost time.
Speaking with the media on Monday, Brooks explained how he’s trying to bounce back from a sub-par season last year. He appeared in six games, made 11 catches for 100 yards, but was among a host of Gamecocks who had several drops late in the season.
“I didn’t feel comfortable or too good about my progress. I’m just happy I’ve been correcting those things through practice, through summer,” he said, per Ben Portnoy.
He added that 2021 will be focused on being in his element. “Making plays, being very consistent, doing all the right things and just feeling confident about yourself.”
Brooks began his career at Division II Wingate in North Carolina and also had a brief stint at Tarleton State in Texas before he landed in Columbia. He caught 52 passes for 1,048 yards and 10 TDs in two seasons at Wingate, and has made four Division I starts.
He’s expected to be among several Gamecocks receivers to contribute this season, though a bona fide No. 1 pass catcher is not yet established.
The Gamecocks open the season Sept. 4 against Eastern Illinois.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
