Ellis Brooks – Linebacker
Brooks was arguably Penn State Football’s best linebacker this past season, leading the team in tackles with 100 and also had a sack this season.
Brooks is a thumper, a great linebacker between the tackles at taking on blocks, and is the most sound tackler on the team. Â However, he is not as athletic as his NFL bound counterpart Brandon Smith, who will be an early round pick in the NFL Draft.
Health may potentially play a role in the senior’s decision, as he was seemingly beat up all season and played with a club on his hand for most of the year as well.
Brooks came to Happy Valley in the 2017 class so he has been on campus for a long time, and may be ready to move on to what’s next, which should be an NFL opportunity.
The NFL mock draft database has Brooks as a potential seventh round draft pick right now. After the big season he had in 2021, it may not benefit him to come back and chance more injury or a down season.
Prediction: Brooks will opt out of the Outback Bowl and enter the NFL Draft.