The Texas Longhorns lost star running back Jonathon Brooks to a torn ACL in November against the TCU Horned Frogs, throwing his NFL future into question for the remainder of the fall and into the New Year.
However, by all accounts, Brooks has made a quick recovery, and as was reported earlier in the week, will be ready to go by training camp this summer.
And during his interviews at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Friday, he confirmed that news.
"I'm weeks into my recovery, so I'm just starting to get to running," Brooks said. "Expected timeline is training camp. July 1 or the start of training camp."
Throughout his remarkable final season with the Longhorns, Brooks posted four straight 100-yard outings, including a 218-yard, two-touchdown performance against Kansas. He finished with 1,139 yards on 187 carries and totaled 10 touchdowns.
When healthy, Brooks has everything teams covet in a lead rusher. He's decisive with his cuts and elusive past the first line of defense. In the open field, Brooks can hit a second and third gear to blow past defensive backs for ample gains and consistent first downs.
Scouts are concerned about his play weight. Listed at 207 pounds, Brooks could be a rotational back to begin his career while tacking on a few pounds to better his body for hits at the next level.
Though his official numbers won't be known until he weighs in at the combine.
Per NFL Network's latest draft rankings, Brooks is listed as the No. 1 running back prospect, though there's competition for the top spot. Tennessee's Jaylen Wright, Oregon's Bucky Irving, Florida State's Trey Benson, and Notre Dame's Audric Estime are all potential options to gain ground with a promising outing at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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