Peach State DB high on UGA, AUB

Junior to Watch: Carlos Brooks

School: Warner Robins (Ga.) Houston County HS

Position: Cornerback/Wide Receiver

Size and speed: Brooks is 5-foot-11, weighs 170 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds.

Statistics: As a junior, he recorded 54 tackles, nine pass break-ups and five interceptions as a corner. On the offensive side of the ball, he had 325 yards receiving and scored two touchdowns. He also added 600 all-purpose yards via kickoff and punt returns.

Honors: Was selected all-region and all-county at defensive back.

Favorite Schools: Georgia, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Louisville, South Carolina.

Skinny: Warner Robins is always one of the hot pockets for top prospects in the Peach State, and Houston County’s Carlos Brooks appears to be one to watch for 2004.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound cornerback/receiver is coming off all-region honors as a junior when he recorded five interceptions.

“I love playing corner,” he said. “That’s my best spot. I like the challenge of going man-to-man and trying to shut down a receiver. I didn’t give up much of anything last year, and I think I’m going to be even better my senior year after working out so much.”

So who is involved in the early recruiting process?

“I’m getting a lot of stuff from Georgia, Auburn, Mississippi State, Louisville, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Alabama and Maryland,” he said. “I went to Georgia on Saturday for their spring practice. That was fun. I loved the intensity and enthusiasm they had, and the facilities were really nice. It was good to meet all the coaches. I hope to hear more from them in the future.”

Brooks, whose cousin is former Auburn and NFL standout James Brooks, said he also has the Tigers high on his early list.

“I’d say my top three are Georgia, Auburn and Mississippi State,” he said. “I’m hoping to go to camp at those places this summer.”

Brooks maintains a 2.8 GPA and is preparing to take the SAT for the first time.