WATCH: Kennedy Brooks runs stock boosting 40-yard dash time
For some running backs, running a good 40-yard dash time can shoot you up draft boards. While there are other traits teams will be looking for, being able to run by every defender on the field is certainly a positive skill to have.
On Friday, running backs were able to showcase their speed, with Oklahoma Sooners running back Kennedy Brooks needing to post a good time.
“I don’t know that the expectation is that he is going to run very fast,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said on the TV broadcast. “So this would really help him if he surprises us right here.”
Brooks went on to run an unofficial 4.59 on his first attempt, with another attempt on the way. Jeremiah went on to say “we’ll take that,” showing Brooks had just improved his draft stock.
You can watch Brooks’ full 40-yard dash here.
After sitting out the 2020 season, Brooks returned to college football and was the main back in Lincoln Riley’s offense at Oklahoma. Brooks played for three full seasons in Norman and had over 1,000 yards in all of them. The 2021 campaign saw the running back rush for a career-high 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Brooks also averaged 7.0 yards per carry throughout his career and should be one of the top running backs selected in the upcoming draft. He will add to the long list of Oklahoma Sooners who have entered the NFL, especially on the offensive side of the ball recently.
To see Brooks at his best, turn on the Red River Showdown tape against Texas from this season. Brooks ran for 217 yards on just 25 carries and added two touchdowns. One happened to be the game-winning touchdowns, sending half of the Cotton Bowl into pandemonium and sending the other home with heartbreak.
Getting a good 40-yard dash time was just the start Brooks needed in order to improve his NFL draft stock.