South Carolina is the latest football program to benefit from a lower level of the sport opting out of football this fall.
In the middle of last month, the Western Athletic Conference — yes, the WAC — announced that it is delaying the start of fall sports, including football, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Tarleton State was set to enter its first season in the FCS conference after moving up from Div. II.
One member of the Texans won’t get to realize that monumental move, though, as Jalen Brooks announced on Twitter over the weekend that he will be transferring into the South Carolina football program.
“God is undefeated,” Brooks wrote. “I would not be able to make this commitment without God, my family, my coaches, my teammates, the people I work out with, and the work that I put into everything.”
All Glory to God ‼️🙏🏾 #1of1 @FBCoachSeidel @GamecockFB @JoeGameCox #lockedin pic.twitter.com/13reODVzpN
— Jalen Brooks (@i_stay_sore1) August 1, 2020
Interestingly, 247Sports.com wrote that “Brooks visited the campus in Columbia with his former high school coach, Jason Seidel, serving as his tour guide.” In late June, the NCAA once again extended its ban on in-person recruiting through the end of August. It’s assumed that the South Carolina football program wasn’t involved in that on-campus visit.
At this point, it’s unclear if the wide receiver will be eligible to play for the Gamecocks this season. If he is, he’d have three years to use two seasons of eligibility. If not, he’d use his redshirt in 2020, then have two years starting in 2021.
Brooks actually began his collegiate career at Div. II Wingate University in North Carolina. In January of this year, the receiver transferred to Tarleton State.
In two seasons with the Bulldogs, Brooks totaled 998 yards and nine touchdowns on 50 receptions.
