Duquesne (PA) running back Shane Brooks is one of the toughest and strongest running backs in the East. At 5-11 ½, 220 pounds, Brooks pounded his way to 1,591 yards rushing and scored 16 touchdowns last season as a junior. He averaged close to nine yards per carry.

Duquesne Head Coach Pat Monroe says Brooks “can do basically anything running the ball. He shows extreme power and has the speed to run away from defenders. Last year he ran a 4.48 in the 40, but since he’s gotten bigger he has recently run a 4.5 or 4.6. He’s fast enough though. He doesn’t get caught from behind. Most of his runs are of the 50 or 60 yard variety. He’s versatile too. We line him up in the slot sometimes. He genuinely has the best hands on the team.”

An excellent overall athlete, Brooks possesses a 30-inch vertical leap to go along with his 4.5 40 speed. Extremely strong, he can bench press 300 pounds and squat 600 pounds. What may be more impressive about his strength is that he only started lifting weights during his tenth grade year.

“I really didn’t start weight-lifting until the tenth grade,” Brooks said. “My strength is natural strength. We have a lot of hills where I live, so I just walk up and down those everyday. After this year, I’ll probably start lifting in the weight room more.”

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