The transfer portal has been active for a few weeks and has brought in a lot of top-tier players. Michigan is rumoured to be interested in UCLA five-star quarterback Dante Moore, but former Alabama wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks is a more recent offensive arrival into the portal.
The J.J. McCarthy link is the most important factor for Michigan and Brooks. McCarthy attended Nazareth Academy outside of Chicago for three years before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior year. This is where McCarthy met Brooks, who had recently transferred from Booker T. Washington High School in South Florida. IMG won 8-0, and Brooks and McCarthy combined to lead the team in receptions.
McCarthy’s return is critical to any recruiting attempts aimed at Brooks, as he is the obvious link. Both Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson are expected to leave for the NFL, leaving Michigan with inexperience at the position. Darrius Clemons is the only genuine ‘X’ receiver on the roster right now, and he has seen little action for Michigan in his two-year career. Brooks has three years of experience at a high level and was on the roster for the 2021 national title game, in which the Tide fell just short of a championship.
Brooks had a great 2022 season for the Tide, recording 674 yards, but was pushed down the depth chart due to injuries this year, recording only 30 yards. His ability to perform, on the other hand, is undeniable. Brooks has the potential to be a productive player and could serve as both an on-field player and a mentor for Michigan in 2024.
