SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Sports) - It's a new year for the Utah football team and yet again wide receiver is a question mark heading into the 2010 season. Utah lost three of its top four receivers from a year ago, including leading pass-catcher David Reed.
That's where Jereme Brooks comes into play.
He's the senior the Utes are counting on to not only be the team's go-to guy but to also help teach the young core of receivers behind him. Brooks and the Utes need guys like Luke Matthews, DeVonte Christopher and even senior Shaky Smithson to step up. You've even got newcomer Martavious "Mo" Lee, a 3-star WR from Polomar Community College in Southern California who the team hopes to see contribute this season.
Brooks is the natural born leader of Utah's receivers. He started 12 of the 13 games last season, catching 56 balls for 696 yards and seven touchdowns which was third best in the Mountain West Conference. Now, he's got almost every other receiver on the team looking up to him for answers and he's happy to help and is especially happy to finally be Utah's number one receiver.
"It feels awesome," Brooks said. "You work your whole life for this and finally it's my year. We got a great core of receivers and they're all going to be there to help."
"He's taken over that leadership role with the receiving crew," sophomore quarterback Jordan Wynn said. "He's the same guy day in and day out. You know what you're going to get from him. He's definitely someone the young guys can look up to."
And you can bet they do almost every day.
"He's like the big brother of the whole group," Lee said. "He teaches us how to run our routes and how to be consistent, very consistent on everything we do."
"I'm a senior and this is my last year," Brooks added. "I want to lead these young guys and have a great season."
"Brooks is going to do what he does best," senior wide receiver Shaky Smithson said. "He's a great leader vocally and through his actions."
The Utes will hold their first scrimmage of fall practice on Thursday. The scrimmage is closed to the public but ABC 4 sports will be there and will bring you the latest out of Utah's camp Thursday night during ABC 4 sports at 6 & 10.
