Caleb Brooks is playing the best football of his career right now. The three-year starter’s improvement from last year has been exceptional, and reflecting through the class of ’25, his progression is near the top.
Brooks’ improvement was no better shown than last week’s interception, in which he returned for a touchdown. The 6′ 290 lbs. senior read the screen pass perfectly and wisely dropped back instead of pursuing the passer, but what he did after the interception at midfield was remarkable. Brooks motored down the field, steamrolling through the opposing players and dragging a handful of guys into the endzone.
The play was one of the best from Week 6 and voted the #2 spot for our weekly highlight video. Brooks’ touchdown warrants accolades as such, and perfectly encapsulates the senior’s impact this fall.
“My senior is going pretty good considering the fact I’m doing what I love with my guys,” Brook said.
When asked about his goals for the 2nd half of the season, he replied, “My goals for this season are to end my senior year with a winning record and have better film than I did last year.”
Well, Brooks’ film looks better than his junior year, so that goal should be checked off. Plus, Salem’s win total ties last year, and their defense is much improved compared to 2023’s, so they will have plenty of opportunity to grow from last year’s 1-9 record.
These upcoming region games will be a considerable test for Brooks and Salem. Mental toughness will be key to persevering and winning, so the right mindset from senior leaders will be key.
“My mindset when it comes to being on the field is I got to dominate especially being in the trenches with O-line and D-line,” Brooks said.
That gritty mindset shines through in his senior film where Brooks uses his strength to knock back opponents and drive them down. Credit to Brooks’ major work this offseason, especially in the weight room, where he made huge progress, maxing out his squat to ~550 lbs. during the spring. The improved work ethic is reflected on his film too, and you see the senior hustle down ball carriers to clean up tackles or make the extra effort blocking on offense.
Those differential plays impact the game, wear down the opponent, and help establish the line of scrimmage. Important attributes that college programs yearn for, and should find exciting about Brooks.
“I’ve heard from a couple of schools but I’m definitely hoping for more. Right now, I have a few game day visits but not any official visit I will be on this fall,” Brooks said.
The college interest will grow, in fact, Brooks earned an offer from Culver-Stockton in the midst of writing this article, so everything is looking up. The Salem program has a lot of opportunities to grow during this 2nd half, and knowing their coaching staff, they are pouring the hours to help athletes like Caleb Brooks shine, so be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X to hear the latest on the Salem senior and athletes everywhere in Georgia.
