Head coach calls new Alabama WR commit a ‘generational talent’
Lotzeir Brooks, a record-setting wide receiver from Millville High School in New Jersey, revealed a surprise decision on Saturday evening. Brooks, who took an unofficial visit to Alabama last week, announced a commitment to the University of Alabama. BOL spoke with Brooks’ head coach to learn more about what makes the dynamic athlete one of the best he’s ever seen in the Garden State.
Brooks had 61 receptions for 1,295 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also added two rushing scores. He’s already set the South Jersey record for career receiving yards (3,355) and career touchdowns (51). He had six games with more than 100 yards during the 2023 season.
“He’s a playmaker,” Coach Bert Ayala told BOL. “You put the ball in his hands, and he will make something happen. You can always count on him to play 100-percent and will go 100 miles per hour. He’s a generational talent, and we are fortunate to have him as a part of our program.”
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Brooks was initially offered by the former Alabama staff after clocking a 4.4 40-yard dash in a Nick Saban Football Camp last summer. The 5-foot-10.5, 180-pounder has a verified 22.1 mph max acceleration speed. He was clocked with a 10.8 (verified) in the 100-meters as an eighth grader, but he has not participated in track or other sports besides football during his high school career.
Alabama, in fact, is the only camp Brooks has ever attended. He knew Alabama is where he wanted to go, but decided to wait until after his junior season before making a decision. Alabama then lost its wide receivers coach, Holmon Wiggins, to Texas A&M, prior to Nick Saban’s retirement.
New wide receivers coach, JaMarcus Shephard, quickly established a relationship, and considered Brooks one of the Tide’s top targets. They did, however, need to meet in-person, which happened on April 5 in Tuscaloosa. The visit with the entire staff confirmed the initial feelings after hearing more about him from support/recruiting staff who remained from the previous regime.
“The plan is to start him out in the slot and then progress to the outside,” his coach said of how Alabama intends to use him in Tuscaloosa. “He can take the top off. He can get above the rim only standing 5-foot-10 on a basketball goal. You throw it, he’s gonna go get it. He can play above everyone else. He’s so twitchy and dynamic. You want to get the ball in his hands as quickly as possible. It’s over once he gets in the open field.”
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Millville WR Lotzeir Brooks
Brooks isn’t active on social media. He doesn’t really take recruiting visits. Several schools (outside of Alabama) were in heavy pursuit including Kentucky, Penn State, Rutgers, Tennessee. Brooks visited Alabama twice and Tennessee once. He’s a “homebody” according to his coach. He focuses on his high school and traveling 7-on-7 team.
“He’s not a media guy,” Coach Ayala said. “He’s not a social media guy. Most kids want to have a commitment ceremony and do a big production. We wanted him to do an announcement with hats on the table. He didn’t want to do that. He just wants to post a graphic and focus on his future.
“He’s not a pre-madonna-type receiver. He just loves to play football. He loves the game and is devoted to winning. He’s won two state championships and the goal is to finish his high school career with a third.”
Coach Ayala noted Brooks will focus on getting bigger, stronger and faster. Brooks recently maxed at 425-pounds on squat. He does not intend to take any additional visits outside of a return trip to Tuscaloosa for an official on May 31-June 2.
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