Shannon Brooks joins the Pirates after a five-year career playing running back for the University of Minnesota Gophers. An injury plagued college career frustrated Brooks, however, he still managed to become the 12th leading rusher in Gopher history. He wrapped up his five year career with 2,290 yards rushing on 431 carries and 20 touchdowns. That translates into 5.3 yards per carry. Brooks also caught 32 passes for 313 yards and 2 scores. He went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, but continues working hard to pursue his dream of playing professional football. Brooks will be a valuable asset to the Pirates backfield.

Brooks played in 9 games as a senior in 2019, carrying the football 73 times for 408 yards and 2 scores. His best game was against Illinois where Brooks racked up 111 yards on 16 carries. In 2018 Brooks had a career performance returning from an injury to play against Indiana. He rushed 22 times for 154 yards and a touchdown. Brooks also caught 2 passes for 11 yards against the Hoosiers but left the game late with an injury, ending his season.

In 2017 Brooks played in 6 games, rushing for 369 yards on 79 carries with 5 touchdowns. Against Oregon State, Brooks rushed for 91 yards and had a career-high 3 scores.

2016 saw Brooks carry the ball 138 times for 650 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also hauled in 8 receptions for 76 yards and 2 scores, highlighted by a 38-yard TD catch against Northwestern.

2015, Brooks’ freshman year, was clearly his best. He rushed 119 times for 709 yards and 7 touchdowns. He was voted Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times and received Minnesota’s “Bob McNamara Offensive Back of the Year Award” and was named the team’s Offensive Freshman of the Year. Brooks also earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention accolades. Two of Brooks’ TD runs went for more than 70 yards. He even played on special teams and recorded 2 tackles.