LSU's Greg Brooks Jr. Returns to Baton Rouge With Unfinished Business

Brooks returns for a second season in Baton Rouge, ready to be a leader for the Tigers.

Louisiana native Greg Brooks Jr. made the decision to transfer back to his home state and play for LSU in 2022 after a stint with Arkansas. 

After showing out in year one with the Tigers, he returned to Baton Rouge with unfinished business.

There are still bits and pieces to Brooks’ game he wants to improve on as he enters his final season with the Bayou Bengals. A college career that started as a Razorback, the defensive back has proven his ability to compete in the SEC, but now he’s ready to put it all together and prove he’s ready for the next level.

Development, Utilizing LSU

Brooks has challenged himself since getting to Baton Rouge. The cornerback turned safety switched positions in year one with the program, but this coaching staff has a plan for him to evolve after deciding to return to Death Valley for another season.

“I just felt like I could improve on some things. I had a day three draft grade and just wanted to come back and help this team win a national championship,” Brooks said. “This staff has a plan for me going forward about how they can use me all over.”

Whether it’s at cornerback, safety or nickel, Brooks is a surefire pick as a Tiger who can step up their game in 2023. He showed flashes of his exciting, hard-hitting playstyle in 2022, but the time is now for him to put it together for Brian Kelly's group.

Relationship With Major Burns

There are limited returnees to the Tigers’ secondary ahead of the 2023 season. After revamping the defensive back unit with high school studs and transfer portal players, it’s a fresh faced group, but both Brooks and Major Burns are two players ready to emerge as leaders in the locker room.

For Brooks, he credits Burns’ energy for keeping this group in check. The pair of Louisiana natives certainly bring a different culture to this squad and Brooks has praised Burns for the element he brings in the locker room.

“That’s my guy. We just feed off each other energy so well,” Brooks said of Burns. “He is one of those high-energy guys and we all feed off that. He is going to make sure we bring it each and every play. There is no me out there, because we are all working together as defense and the communication has been great.”

Coach Kerry Cooks and Robert Steeples’ Impact

Both safeties coach Kerry Cooks and cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples have played a major role during their time in Baton Rouge ever since joining Head Coach Brian Kelly’s coaching staff. 

Whether it be on the field or on the recruitment trail, the two have given this defense an extra boost.

Brooks has given credit to both coaches and the advice they’ve given him in order to reach his max potential.

“Playing every play and going 100% on every play. If you go out there and go 100% on every play by the time the season comes it’s all going to come together," Brooks said. "Communicate more. Hand signals. More verbal. I feel like that all starts with me and Major [Burns].”

The electrifying defensive back has proven what he can do under the bright lights through his four years of college, but returning for one last season gives Brooks the chance to put the country on notice and breakout as a top player for this LSU defense.