by Bobby Deren
ScarletNation.com
08-14-2009

The start of training camp marked the beginning of the third year for Jourdan Brooks as part of the Rutgers program. After redshirting his freshman season, Brooks went on to rush for 516 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2008. But when camp kicked off this past Tuesday, Brooks hardly resembled the player he was as a true freshman.

Brooks' redshirt season helped him knock off some of the excess weight he first brought to campus. Now, Brooks has improved upon that, checking into camp at 229 pounds with only seven percent body fat.

"This is the best shape I've been in since I've been here at Rutgers," said Brooks. "I think working with Coach (Jeremy) Cole, working with Joe Martinek and working with Coach (Jay) Butler really helped me a lot."

That conditioning has also helped Brooks endure the first few days of camp much better than he had done in the past.
"My conditioning has definitely helped me out," said Brooks. "I'm feeling pretty good. Conditioning is hard, workouts are hard, but that's what we need. The first day, it was real hot. I think if I was like 232, it would have been harder."

A leaner, stronger Brooks has already seemed faster with the football even though the addition of full pads will not come until Saturday.

"When I look at tape, I think I'm faster," said Brooks. "But when I'm running, I actually don't know. There's definitely a difference from last year."

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano also noted Brooks' improved physical condition and explained how that will help him heading into the season.

"I think it allows him to practice harder which is in turn going to allow him to be a better player," said Schiano.

Brooks has come quite a ways during his short stint at Rutgers. Coming into college, Brooks had only a spattering of carries as a high school fullback. In fact, some college coaches recruited Brooks to play on the defensive side of the ball as a linebacker.

"My first year when Ray (Rice) was here, it was definitely hard because I wasn't use to carrying the ball," Brooks acknowledged. "Last year, I kind of got into the groove. But I think this year, things are going pretty well."

Adjusting to a new position also meant learning a whole new playbook. Brooks admitted that the transition was difficult at first, but he now has a firm grasp of the offensive schemes.

"Reading my blocking assignments was the most difficult thing for me to adjust to," said Brooks. "I'm pretty comfortable with the playbook now."

Brooks has made steady progress over the past two years and looks to have taken another huge stride over the summer. Nevertheless, the team has yet to practice in full pads and Brooks will need to show that he can utilize his improved physical stature to his advantage.

But if the first few days of camp are any indication, Brooks may have a very bright season ahead of him.