Maryland football linebacker Jalen Brooks isn’t one to talk much. So even as he’s stepped into a leadership role this season, he’s found non-vocal ways to set an example.
Near the end of practices when his teammates are tired, Brooks jumps to the front of the group and pushes the pace. In the film room, he advises younger players on where they should position themselves on different plays. In team meetings, Brooks’ hand is always moving as he takes notes.
The Terps lost six defensive starters from last season, but Brooks recorded the second most tackles of returning players. Brooks is one of the centerpieces of defensive coordinator Andy Buh’s defense, and the redshirt junior has motivated his teammates with his work on and off the field.
“It’s been pretty interesting,” Brooks said. “When you step into a bigger role sometimes and the older guys aren’t really there for you to lean on them anymore, it’s a reverse role. You’ve got younger guys looking up to you. Stepping into a bigger role has been exciting and the process has been made a lot smoother through our coaching staff.”
Brooks, who recorded 64 tackles and two interceptions last season, learned from former Terps linebackers as an underclassman. Matt Robinson mentored him in 2013 and 2014, and Yannick Ngakoue, whom the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft this offseason, helped him out a year ago. Now, Brooks and redshirt junior Jermaine Carter Jr. are commanding the linebacker corps.
In Brooks’ first two years with the team, Robinson preached to his prodigy if he wants to play in the NFL, he has to give all of his effort in every practice and game. That’s something Brooks has passed down to younger players. The pair still talks every week, and Brooks noted how weird it has been filling in Robinson on what’s occurring with the team.
Brooks has had experience that’s prepared him to be a leader, though. Since last season, the 6-foot-1, 232-pound linebacker has served as a mentor for sophomore linebacker Nnamdi Egbuaba, who didn’t start playing organized football until he moved to the U.S. from Nigeria in 2012.
“The players appreciate how hard he was coached and how he responded to that coaching,” linebackers coach Matt Barnes said. “They see him being recognized in front of the defense and they see the success he’s having. I’m sure that motivates them.”
Brooks plays outside and middle linebacker, making him a versatile option and a valuable teacher for his teammates.
And as an All-Big Ten Academic Selection, Brooks also sets an example for his teammates off the field.
His learning skills are seen almost every day at the Terps’ practice facility, Buh said, as Brooks studies the playbook in detail and makes sure to ask the coaching staff questions. Brooks, a finance major, also helps his teammates create life budgets.
“What impresses me about Jalen is he’s an astute learner,” Buh said. “He just loves the game of football. Without saying anything, he’s leading just by example.”
Brooks said Carter jokes his counterpart is “too smart for his own good,” which leads to Brooks overanalyzing certain plays.
Regardless, he’s done enough to earn the respect of those in the Terps’ program.
“He’s one of those guys that when he chooses to say something, guys are going to listen,” Barnes said. “I expect big things out of Jalen this year.”
