Gopher Running Back is Big Ten Freshman of the Week

Minneapolis, MN (Gophersports.com) - Minnesota freshman running back Shannon Brooks was tabbed as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week, following his 176-yard performance to key a 41-13 conference victory at Purdue over the weekend. He shares the honor with Michigan defensive back Jabrill Peppers.

Playing in his fifth game and earning the second start of his career, Brooks put on a show that will go down in the program record books. The product from Georgia touted the rock 17 times for 176 yards and one touchdown, which ties Darrell Thompson (176 yards versus Northwestern, Oct. 11, 1986) as the eighth-highest total by a freshman running back in program history. That total also was the highest output by a first-year running back since 2003.

Brooks’ 71-yard touchdown scamper was one for the highlight reel as he broke a slew of tackles and got some key blocking down field to give the Gophers a 17-6 lead early in the third quarter. He averaged 10.4 yards per carry on the day to guide Minnesota to its fourth win of the season and first in Big Ten play.

On the season, Brooks is averaging 7.9 yards per carry to go along with three touchdown runs. He ranks second on the team with 291 rushing yards and is averaging 80.6 all-purpose yards per game.

Brooks claims his first honor by the league office and is the first Gopher to be recognized by the Big Ten this season. The last Minnesota honoree to be named Freshman of the Week was Chris Streveler last season when he ran for 161 yards and one touchdown in a 24-7 victory against San Jose State.

Brooks and the Gophers continue Big Ten play this weekend when they host Nebraska for a 2:30 p.m. showdown, Oct. 17.

(Gophersports.com)