At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks took center stage during his media session, reflecting on his prolific collegiate career and expressing confidence in his professional prospects.
Brooks, standing at 5’10” and weighing 230 pounds, concluded his tenure at Texas Tech as one of the most productive running backs in the program’s history.
A Record-Breaking Collegiate Career
Brooks’s journey to the NFL Combine is marked by consistent improvement and resilience. Originating from Manor, Texas, he was a three-star recruit who made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2020, participating in all 10 games. Over the next few seasons, Brooks’s performance escalated, culminating in a standout senior year where he amassed 1,538 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 290 carries, averaging an impressive 118.3 yards per game. This feat not only showcased his durability but also his ability to shoulder a significant workload.
His stellar performance earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors and semifinalist positions for both the Doak Walker and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Awards in 2023. By the end of his collegiate career, Brooks had accumulated 3,052 rushing yards, placing him seventh on Texas Tech’s all-time rushing list. His 41 career game appearances underscore his consistency and endurance as a key player for the Red Raiders.
Preparation for the NFL Combine
The NFL Scouting Combine, held annually at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis since 1987, serves as a pivotal platform for college prospects to exhibit their skills to NFL coaches, scouts, and executives. The 2025 Combine, running from February 27 to March 2, featured over 300 athletes, with running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers scheduled for on-field workouts on March 1. Brooks’s participation in the Combine was highly anticipated, given his impressive college statistics and the legacy he left at Texas Tech.
Media Session Highlights
During his media availability, Brooks exuded confidence in his abilities and readiness for the professional stage. He attributed his collegiate success to rigorous preparation and a deep understanding of the game, emphasizing his vision, patience, and physicality as key attributes that set him apart. Brooks also highlighted his proficiency in pass protection and his reliable hands as a receiver out of the backfield, traits that enhance his value as a versatile, every-down back in the NFL.
When discussing his time at Texas Tech, Brooks expressed pride in his contributions to the program and the records he set. He acknowledged the support of his coaches, teammates, and fans, crediting them for his development and success. Brooks’s humility, combined with his evident self-assurance, painted the picture of a player who is both grounded and ambitious.
Looking Ahead
As Brooks transitions from college football to the professional arena, his performance at the NFL Combine plays a crucial role in determining his draft stock. Scouts and analysts have noted his powerful, compact build, excellent contact balance, and ability to break tackles consistently. While he may lack elite top-end speed, his vision, patience, and pass protection skills make him a compelling prospect for teams seeking a reliable and durable running back.
Brooks’s journey from a three-star recruit to a record-setting running back at Texas Tech exemplifies determination and growth. His reflections during the NFL Combine media session not only highlighted his past achievements but also set the stage for a promising future in professional football. As the NFL Draft approaches, teams in need of a steadfast and versatile running back will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on Tahj Brooks.
