After five seasons mainly contributing on special teams and serving as a backup to a succession of skilled running backs at UNC, British Brooks was finally set to take on a starting role for the North Carolina Tar Heels in 2023, following a year-long absence due to a lower-body injury.
However, after the second week against App State, Brooks found himself back in a backup position, not due to any shortcomings on his part, but because standout running back Omarion Hampton delivered an impressive performance with 234 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite the challenges he encountered on his path to becoming a starter at UNC, Brooks successfully transitioned to the NFL, signing as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans. He has already made a strong impression, scoring two touchdowns during Houston’s 28-10 preseason win over the New York Giants.
Brooks had anticipated his starting opportunity at UNC after making a triumphant return last year, where he rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. This performance was unexpected for some, considering his long hiatus since 2021, but those within the UNC football program were not surprised by his level of production, given his status as the longest-tenured Tar Heel.
First NFL TD for @britishbrookss 💪#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #ProHeels https://t.co/y8BR5hDKPW
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 17, 2024
For his second touchdown, Brooks received a shotgun handoff from Tim Boyle and sprinted 15 yards around the left side of his offensive line, evading the New York defense.
2️⃣ TDs on the day for @britishbrookss 🔥#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #ProHeels https://t.co/8voVIq2t2X
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 17, 2024
Houston has a deep running back room, led by veteran Joe Mixon, who was the longtime starter for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Dameon Pierce, who was the Texans’ starting running back in 2022. With this talented backfield, British Brooks faces an uphill battle to earn a starting job in Texas.
However, waiting for his opportunity is nothing new for Brooks, who patiently bided his time at UNC behind a succession of talented running backs before finally getting his chance in 2023, only to be relegated to a backup role again after a standout performance by Omarion Hampton.
Despite the challenges, Brooks has made the most of his opportunities, impressing with two touchdowns in the Texans’ preseason win over the Giants. His perseverance and skill will serve him well as he competes for a roster spot and playing time in Houston’s crowded backfield.
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