Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
Size:
Height: 5092
Weight: 214
Arm: 30 ⅜”
Hand: 9 ⅛”
Accomplishments:
First-Team All-Big 12 (2023)
“Tahj Brooks is a productive running back prospect with a violent and physical downhill running style that fits teams who value north/south runners.”
Strengths:
Sturdy and dense NFL-ready frame
Violent runner with a powerful stiff arm and forward leaner
Pass protection
Yards after contact
Scheme versatility
Concerns:
Short-area quickness
Open-field elusiveness
Average acceleration
Long speed for explosive plays
Film Analysis:
Tahj Brooks is a productive running back for Texas Tech’s Air-Raid-style offense. He has been a fixture over the past few seasons under HC Joey McGuire. He brings a physical attitude and play style to OC Zach Kittley’s offense. Between Brooks’ sturdy, dense build and north/south running style, he keeps the Red Raiders’ offense moving.
Brooks runs hard and behind his pads with a low center of gravity. He is a strong-framed runner who powers through arm tackles and initial contact. Once Brooks breaks contain, the first defender rarely brings him down. He possesses the powerful leg drive to push the pile and be effective in short-yardage situations. Brooks is at his best getting his shoulders square and attacks downhill. He is a volume-touch RB who will wear down defenses throughout four quarters. His contact balance allows him to bounce/ping-pong off defenders and keep his momentum moving forward. Brooks owns the natural leverage advantage because of his short, dense build.
Pass protection is a clear strength for Brooks. He quickly scans the line of scrimmage and locates defenders to keep his QB clean. He stands tall and strong before attacking a free-running defender. Brooks did not catch many passes in 2023 but ran underneath routes as a viable check-down option if the QB needed him.
Brooks doesn’t possess the long speed to be a home-run threat. He is quicker than fast. His burst and acceleration are average at best. He can experience issues breaking through NFL defensive fronts quickly. His tackle-breaking abilities consist of physical strength instead of elusiveness. Brooks is not a phone booth/alley winner in confined spaces.
In conclusion, Brooks projects as a north/south running back in a stable. He will be an effective short-yardage and red-zone runner. In the right situation, he can be a solid spot starter like former NFL veteran Mike Davis.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Texas (2023), Oregon (2023), UCF (2023), Wyoming (2023)
