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Zac Brooks: How he fits with the Seahawks

By Dayna O'Gorman

Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Zac Brooks (24) runs through the tackle of Syracuse Orange linebacker Zaire Franklin (4) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Zac Brooks (24) runs through the tackle of Syracuse Orange linebacker Zaire Franklin (4) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the final pick in what looks to be a fantastic draft for the Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll and John Schneider choose Zac Brooks, running back out of Clemson.

The Seattle Seahawks  invested heavily in the running back position after 2016 brought the retirement of superstar Marshawn Lynch. At pick number 247, Brooks was the third RB taken by the Seahawks and will add to what should be a fun competition for playing time.

Brooks wasn’t a stand out at Clemson in 2015. He played in 14 games, had 3 touchdowns, and averaged only 5.7 yards a game. Maybe more importantly to Seahawks fans, Brooks had only 1 fumble in his entire college career.

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Zac Brooks (24) runs the ball while defended by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers running back Zac Brooks (24) runs the ball while defended by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

A career back up at Clemson due to an injury sustained in camp in 2014, he decided against playing a 5th year for the Tigers, declaring for the draft. On his pro day, Brooks had a 4.45 40 yard dash, 36 inch vertical, and 10 ft 9 inch broad jump. His highlights show a secondary burst of speed and a solid ball catcher.

During that pro day, he met with Indianapolis, Houston, and Seattle. Brooks had a visit to Seattle scheduled for April. He’d obviously been on the Seahawks radar for a while.

Brooks made a splash in the Orange Bowl this last year. He blew through Oklahoma safety Ahmad Thomas as if Thomas was standing still, showing the power and perseverance Seattle looks for.

Training camp will provide some fierce competition at the running back position. Lynch’s retirement leaves a huge hole in a team that has a “run first” offense. As Lynch is a once in a generation player, replacing him will take more than one player.

Last years surprise stand out Thomas Rawls was injured during the season but is expected to return in time for the regular season. The Seahawks also re-signed Christine Michael and added Cameron Marshall this off season. Add to that the two other RBs Seattle drafted, it’s a little crowded in the backfield.

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