While there were a handful of offers in hand for one of the top running backs in the state, but it only took one for Hallettsville 2021 RB Jonathan Brooks (6'1, 195). 

Texas.  

With in-state offers from Texas Tech, UTSA and Texas State, it was the comfort that Brooks felt in Austin that separated the 'Horns from the pack. 

Of all the schools that offered, Texas was the only school that he saw firsthand. Two trips for games and an unofficial visit was all it took to make the call on May 15. 
 
"I really didn't have a lot of offers, only seven of them. For me, Texas felt like the right place," Brooks said. "I was looking at all the schools that offered me and wanted to make a decision this spring. Texas was a school that believed in me."

Brooks finished with a solid season in 2019 with over 2,100 yards and 40 touchdowns (two receiving). He added another 600 yards on special teams.
 
And while he feels comfortable in his game at the moment, the better days are ahead. He feels that the man who can help make that happen in college is right in Austin.
 
"I am really close with coach (Stan) Drayton. I feel that he is one of the best running backs coaches in the nation," Brooks said of the 25-year veteran. "I feel like he will get me where I need to be and I can have success."
 
In the meantime, the three-star back has been working on his own improvements. In addition to daily training through the quarantine months, he has managed to bulk up and add 10-15 pounds to his frame. After a successful 2019 run with his team, a 10-3 finish was good. But Brooks feels like he could give more.
 
Brooks said that maybe making one more play could've have been the difference between a fourth-round finish and a chance at state.
 
Now it's nearly game time. 

School is back in session and his team has completed their first scrimmage. And for Brooks and the Hallettsville team, it's time to capitalize on the time they didn't get during the spring. And best believe it was not wasted.
 
"I see the time away as a good thing because it gave us time to catch up with our bodies. The way I see it was there was nothing to do but workout," Brooks said. "So that meant more reps and more training. It gave us even more time to get better."

Hallettsville checks in at No. 8 in the DCTF Class 3A Division I preseason rankings.