Standing at 6’8” and weighing 340 lbs, Junior Nick Brooks stands out in a crowd. Brooks has been gaining national attention since he started on Kennedy’s offensive line. He’s received over 25 scholarship offers from colleges across the United States. On Sept. 8 Brooks verbally committed to the University of Iowa.

“I had a feeling in my heart, once I got the offer I was pretty much locked in,” Brooks said. “Being only 20 minutes away from home, it played a big part in my decision.”

After starting his football career at Harding Middle School in Cedar Rapids, Brooks moved to St. Francis High School in Georgia. This year he moved back to his hometown to play for Kennedy alongside his middle school friends.

“He grew up around most of these guys on the team,” Kennedy’s Varsity Football Coach Brian White said. “Sometimes it seems like he never left.”

Family plays a big role in Brooks’s life and drives his success on the field.

“Everybody’s a family on the team,” Brooks said. “If I need someone to have my back, someone’s gonna have it.”

Brooks’ stature benefits him on the field, but coaches said he has more to offer.

“He brings a good attitude and mental strength to the team,” White said. “I know that he’s a good football player and I know he can be a much better football player…but I think he’s only going to keep getting better as time goes on.”