Ja'Corey Brooks shares thoughts on Alabama's offense with Tommy Rees
Ja’Corey Brooks isn’t new to Alabama, but he’s taking calls from a fresh face. On Friday, the junior wide receiver discussed how it’s been to play under new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
“Working with Tommy is great. I really wouldn’t say it’s too much different, but he adds his tweaks in, and he’s going to develop us as an offense,” Brooks said.
Alabama hired Rees in February after Bill O’Brien moved on to become the New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator. Rees is head coach Nick Saban‘s youngest assistant during his tenure with the Crimson Tide. Nonetheless, Rees brings quite the resumé.
In three years as Notre Dame‘s offensive coordinator, Rees’ offenses averaged 33.4 points per game in 2020 en route to the College Football Playoff, 35.2 points per contest to rank 19th nationally in 2021 and 31.8 points per outing in 2022.
Nonetheless, 2023 won’t be a cakewalk for Rees. The young OC must replace six starters on Alabama’s offense, including 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young. Luckily for Rees, Alabama returns standouts such as Brooks.
The 6-foot-3 wideout recorded 39 receptions for 674 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Brooks also led the Crimson Tide, averaging a team-high 17.3 yards per catch to rank sixth in the SEC. Under Rees’ leadership, Brooks expects greatness, even if he’s not the star.
“As a wide receiver, I’m really looking for a complete group because everybody might have a game to get their name called on. So, we want everybody in our group to show up and play hard and the best way they can,” Brooks said.
Rees is thrilled to be the coach to bring such greatness out of the talented group. After the program hired Rees in February, he was nothing but positive about Alabama.
“I have the utmost respect for what Coach Saban has built at Alabama and the tradition of this program,” Rees said in a statement. “I’m excited to have this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to getting in the meeting room and on the practice field with this team.”
Saban is seemingly happy with what he’s seen from Rees so far.
“Tommy Rees is one of the brightest young guys that I’ve seen in a long time in this business,” Saban said. “And he’s been a great addition and brought a lot of positives to the offensive side of the ball in terms of his ideas and how he relates to players, how he presents to players. His energy and enthusiasm on the field has been contagious. I think I see a great trust in our players with Tommy and what he tries to do from a leadership standpoint on offense.”
Watch Rees’ revamped Alabama offense hit the field on Sept. 2 when the Crimson Tide takes on Middle Tennessee State in their season opener.