In the preseason, sophomore Shannon Brooks was the obvious choice to lead the rushing attack for the Golden Gophers. As a freshman, Brooks averaged six yards per carry and broke highlight reel touchdown runs of 40, 71, 38, and 75 yards. His fondness for trucking defenders quickly made him a Gopher fan favorite. Brooks would finish the season with 709 rushing yards and seven touchdowns despite the fact that he rode the bench during the first three games of the season. You can’t blame the media — and, for the most part, Gopher fans — for heralding Brooks as the next great Gopher running back.
Minnesota Football: Rodney Smith is the next great Gopher running back
