All Oak Harbor's Garry Brooks does is catch touchdowns, collect hits in middle of defense
Garry Brooks is no longer unsung.
The Oak Harbor junior is too physically imposing to be under any radar. He earned plenty of experience as a sophomore.
His impact just didn't lend itself to the spotlight. Until this season.
Brooks has two touchdowns on two receptions, including a 15-yard score against Port Clinton.
"What he allows us to do on offense, he plays tight end, he's big and physical," Rockets coach Mike May said. "He can block and catch the ball."
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He added a 25-yard touchdown from Mike LaLonde in a 49-7 victory over Maumee last week.
"It was a pop pass, the safeties kept creeping," LaLonde said. "He's a big, physical guy. He'll grab it."
Brooks is 6-foot-2 and weighs 180 pounds.
"I ran straight up the field, I was wide open," Brooks said. "I jumped up and caught that boy."
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Brooks shifted from linebacker as a sophomore to strong safety this season. May, also the defensive coordinator, recognized Brooks' raw talent, and he's been disrupting opposing offenses since.
He had two interceptions last season and scored a touchdown on defense. He played linebacker against Maumee because of an injury.
He made a third-and-goal tackle for no gain at the 1, and Travis Bouyer forced a turnover on downs on the next play.
"We all do our jobs, our roles," Brooks said. "We do what we're supposed to do."
Aside from blocking, Brooks wasn't a factor in the offense last season. He scored one touchdown on two catches.
It's easy to go unnoticed with Jaqui Hayward, Carson Ridener and LaLonde around to make plays with the ball. Besides, Brooks might love to score touchdowns, but not enough for a change of heart.
"Defense is my thing for sure," he said. "I like to hit people. On offense, I try to do my part."
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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Oak Harbor's Garry Brooks loves defense, increases impact on offense
