Pickens running back Shannon Brooks’ last three games:
-274 yards on 13 carries with 4 touchdowns and 1 65-yard touchdown pass in a 69-34 win over LaFayette on Oct. 17.
--301 yards on 30 carries with 6 touchdowns and 4 receptions for 98 yards and 1 touchdown in a 62-40 win over Southwest Whitfield on Oct. 10.
--246 yards on 22 carries and 4 touchdowns in a 35-7 win over Northwest Whitfield on Oct. 3.
To recap, that’s 16 touchdowns in three games. Not bad.
On the season, Brooks has rushed for 1,729 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per carry, with 26 touchdowns. Four of his seven pass receptions have gone for touchdowns, and he's 2-of-2 passing with two touchdowns. Again, not bad.
The state’s leading rusher, Brooks committed to Minnesota on Sept. 11. In between class and practice Tuesday, he chatted with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Q: You always hear about basketball players getting in the zone. What's it feel like to be in the zone on the football field? Does the game slow down for you?
Brooks: I wouldn't say it has slowed down. At practice, I go as hard as I can and try to get real quality reps. The coaches do a good job of making it harder during practice to where, if you're giving a good effort during practice, it should be easier on game day.
Q: Still, you have had probably the best three games of your career back-to-back-to-back. Why are you playing at such a high level right now?
Brooks: I've gotten a lot bigger. My sophomore and junior year I was around 185. I'm weighing 200 right now, so I've definitely gotten stronger and bigger. My freshman year I only played five games and 815 yards, before I broke my leg. I was faster then, but I've still got a 4.5 now, but with 200 pounds, too.
Q: Why was Minnesota the right fit for you?
Brooks: Their offense is basically what our offense is now. They do a lot of zone stuff. 50 percent of zone and 50 percent of I-formation. I think with my size and speed, it's going to be a good fit.
Q: It's cold in Minnesota.
Brooks: I'm not worried about the weather. My dream is to go pro. At that level, you're going to have play in cold weather. I don't think it should be a problem at all. Minnesota has some players from Georgia right now. I hung out with Jalen Myrick (sophomore defensive back from Savannah Christian Prep). He said it just took a little bit to get used to the cold and, after that, it was nothing. I'm not worried about it.
Q: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Brooks: Right now, I really watch Marshawn Lynch. I like the way he runs. He's not afraid of contact. He doesn't really try to juke you. He runs through people. Power runner.
Q: Does this Pickens team have a chance to make some noise in the playoffs?
Brooks: Yes, definitely. We practice hard every day. Coaches do a great job of pushing us. My freshman year, we won only one game. Then, Coach (Chris) Parker came in and immediately we were 5-5. Then, my junior year, we went 6-4 and we're 6-1 right now. The schedule is getting ready to get a little tougher, though. We have our rivalry against Gilmer (Oct. 31) and (No. 4) Cartersville (Nov. 7).
Q: What does the state of Georgia not know about the state's leading rusher?
Brooks: I like to play games in my off-time. I like playing Madden and (NBA) 2K.
Q: Who's your team when you play 2K or Madden?
Brooks: I go wherever LeBron goes. So right now I'd be the Cavs. I also use the Thunder and am a big KD fan. In Madden, I use the Seahawks, because I like Marshawn Lynch and their defense.
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