Where has Lotzeir Brooks Grown the Most During his Freshman Season?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama football has seen its fair share of newcomers make a big impact on the biggest stages over the years, and the 2025 season under second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer is no different. Two true freshmen, Michael Carroll and Dijon Lee Jr., have started multiple games for Alabama, with Lee making a big impact in several games. Another key freshman this season for Alabama has been young superstar Lotzeir Brooks, a former three-star recruit from New Jersey.

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Brooks, a 5-foot-9, 191-pound receiver, caught his first two touchdowns of the season for Alabama in the Tide's 34-24 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. His first touchdown provided the spark Alabama needed to rejuvenate its offense in Norman, and his second touchdown gave Alabama its first lead of the game, a lead that Alabama never relinquished in its first playoff victory of the Kalen DeBoer era in Tuscaloosa.

"When it comes to the growth that he's had this season, [he's] just understanding this is college football," DeBoer said on Monday. "The step that takes from the preparation. You don't just roll out on the football field on a Saturday, like he probably did when he was so much better than everyone he faced in high school, and just go get it done."

Brooks has made his fair share of big plays this season for Alabama. Notably, he caught a crucial fourth-down pass from Ty Simpson, which set up the Tide for a go-ahead score in Alabama's 27-24 victory over the Missouri Tigers on the road. Brooks has continued his growth during his freshman season, culminating in his team-leading stat line against Oklahoma, with five receptions for 79 yards and two scores.

"There's timing, because the windows are smaller. There's focus. You can see the plays he's made. I think about the Missouri catch on fourth down. I think about different ones he's had throughout the year," DeBoer said. "He's been more consistent than not. That's impressive for a freshman."

Alabama has relied on the young freshman at key moments in the season, as Brooks has become a key member of Alabama's passing attack. On the season, the New Jersey native has caught 32 passes for 441 yards and two touchdowns. Alabama will likely look to Brooks in key situations in the Tide's quarterfinal matchup with the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl.

Alabama will face Indiana in the Rose Bowl on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CT.

Our coverage of the Rose Bowl between Alabama and Indiana is provided by Taco Casa. Under the biggest cactus in town, Taco Casa provides quality taste and value since 1974.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.