The Stars feeling in the Halloween spirit, decided to make their offense a lot more scary for opposing defenses in 2024. They announced the signing of running back Kennedy Brooks out of Oklahoma. Brooks spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, and 2023 prior to signing with the Stars. How does Brooks fit this offense?

What Does Kennedy Brooks Bring to the Table?

Kennedy Brooks is a 5’11 213 lb running back who spent six years of college at Oklahoma. After suffering an injury early his freshman season he used up a red-shirt. As a sophomore he would return to play in 12 games carrying the ball 119 times for 1,056 yards or 8.9 yards per carry. He scored 12 times, adding 10 receptions for 57 yards. If you thought he was a one-hit wonder, you would be wrong.

In 2019 he would return to again top the 1,000 yard mark. This time carrying the ball 155 times for 1,011 yards and 6 touchdowns adding another 10 receptions for 79 yards this time around. In 2020 he wasn’t able to play during covid, so it was anyone’s guess as to how he would respond after a season away from the game.

The Answer was, with a career year: 198 carries, 1,253 yards 13 touchdowns, and 9 receptions for 73 yards. He would graduate a 5th year senior having played in just 38 games but collecting 472 carries for 3,320 yards, and 31 touchdowns on the ground.

Pro-Day and Draft

During his pro-day he performed decent enough, but his numbers didn’t wow scouts, and actually may have left some doubts about his breakaway ability at the next level. Running a 4.59 40-yard dash, he had an impressive first step with a 1.52 10-yard split, but past that his speed tapered off. His agility was average with a 7.03 3-cone drill, and he put up 14 reps in the bench press. Participating in the pro-day at 209 pounds, he was expected to be even more explosive than he was in game playing a bit heavier.

This performance and his injuries hurt his draft stock and led to him falling un-drafted. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2022 draft. After signing early in camp he made it all the way to final cuts. Playing in all 3 preseason games he managed 22 carries for 75 yards adding 4 receptions for 11 yards and 1 touchdown. He was released in final cuts, but immediately brought back on the practice squad. He would spend most of the 2022 season working under long-time NFL running backs coach Jemal Singleton.

The Eagles opted to release him in late November but as soon as they could, they signed him to a futures deal giving him one more chance to make the roster. This time he made it to final cuts again before being let go. He was not brought back on the practice squad this time.

Stars Building Pathway from Eagles

This is the second former Philadelphia Eagles player from the 2022 or 2023 season to be released and join the Philadelphia Stars. Keric Wheatfall was the first. Wheatfall appeared in 3 games, but didn’t log any stats for the Stars. Brooks looks like a guy who is poised to take over this backfield as the potential lead back if it is a true open competition heading into 2024. Both Matt Colburn, and Dexter Williams re-signed after the 2022 off-season so they will return as well, along with Paul Terry re-signed late in the season, and Seth Rowland signed earlier this off-season. Both Rowland, and Terry can play some wide receiver and return kicks as well.

If you’re a fan of the USFL Check out our interview with recent free agent signee Seth Rowland.