Bear Insider Video: Cal Frosh RB DeCarlos Brooks
5-9/190 freshman running back DeCarlos Brooks has had a smooth transition to Cal so far, both on and off the field.
“It’s really been great,” said Brooks. “The coaching and everything here is just like I expected. The people here, the coaches, everyone, it’s just been a good vibe.
“School’s going great. I came here knowing the academics were a big thing. I just finished my Ethnic Studies class this first semester.”
The true frosh has split time with starting running back Chris Brown along with jc transfers Marcel Dancy and Deshawn Collins as well as senior Alex Netherda. He’s shined every opportunty he’s had, always running hard and picking up tough yards with consistency. He’s played well enough that he can expect to test the four-game redshirt limit, not to mention potentially playing all year as a true frosh considering his pass-catching talents, as well.
How has he fit in so far?
“You know, right now I’m just learning all the basic things like the playbook and stuff like that,” said Brooks. “Looking into the scheme of things.
“I feel like I can be a part of the whole chemistry of the running back group. I learned a lot of things like leadership from those guys.”
Brooks has had a chance to learn from his more veteran counterparts, easing his transition at Cal as a student athlete. His biggest takeaway?
“Definitely prioritizing time management,” said Brooks.
Physically, Brooks described the different skill sets of his backfield mates.
“Chris (Brown) is definitely a goofy character,” said Brooks, with a smile. “He’s basically the same age as me but he’s a tough runner. Just tough, fast, quick. You think he’s so big but he’s really quick between the tackles so I watch him to get my own game down.
On Marcel Dancy and Deshawn Collins: “Both of those guys are dawgs,” said Brooks. “They know how to play football. They’re different kinds of backs but they do everything well.”
And senior RB Alex Netherda: “He definitely brings that mentality that he’s on top of things,” said Brooks. “He knows everything since he’s been here so long.”
As a high school senior at Chandler High in Chandler, Arizona, Brooks rushed for 2229 yards and 34 touchdowns on the ground and added 25 receptions for 366 yards and three more td’s through the air and was named State Offensive Player of the Year, with first-team All-State honors.