Brooks has a sleepless night before Saturday scrimmage

Zac Brooks rushed 7 times for 79 yards in Saturday's scrimmage. (TigerNet Staff)

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sun Aug 11 23:39:31 GMT-04:00 2013

CLEMSON – The competition at running back has been a hot topic during Clemson’s first full week of fall camp, and at least one of the major players in that drama is losing sleep over it.

Not because he’s worried about it, however. Because he’s excited.

Sophomore Zac BrooksZac Brooks
So. Running Back
#24 6-1, 185
Jonesboro, AR
View Full Profile turned in a solid effort during Saturday’s first scrimmage of camp, rushing seven times for 79 yards. Much like many Clemson fans will be on August 30th, Brooks couldn’t sleep Friday night in anticipation of being able to play in Death Valley.

"The only thing I will say is that I couldn't sleep any last night," Brooks said. "I was thinking about today and how I had worked. I was thinking about just getting what I think I deserve, the work I've put in and just trying to get out of what I've put into it. I was thinking about getting better and what my performance today would be like."

Brooks was asked if he would be able to sleep on August 30th – the night before the season opener against the University of Georgia – and he said it’s too early to tell.

"Depends on my self-conscious. You never know,” he said. “I couldn't tell you. Hopefully I'll think about that day (August 31) the night before like I did last night."

Brooks was rated as the top-ranked recruit coming out of the state of Arkansas two years ago, but played limited snaps behind Andre EllingtonAndre Ellington
Running Back
#23 5-10, 195
Moncks Corner, SC
View Full Profile , Roderick McDowell and D.J. HowardD.J. Howard
RS Jr. Running Back
#22 5-11, 195
Lincoln, AL
View Full Profile last season.

However, Brooks has burst back onto the scene with a solid summer, and his early returns in fall camp have been favorable. He told us last week that he is beginning to find a comfort level in Chad MorrisChad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
View Full Profile ’ offense, and that comfort is beginning to pay off.

"It's the knowledge. It is starting to click. With knowledge comes confidence,” Brooks said. “I've gained more knowledge of the offense. It's watching film; it's watching myself on film. It's working late, taking notes, the little things that lead to big plays. I notice the little things. A small crease can allow you to make big plays."

Brooks has already learned that giving credit to his offensive line goes a long way.

"It doesn't matter what the defense calls as long as I have my offensive line,” he said. “I have total confidence in my line. I may not know the exact play the defense will call but I have faith and trust in my line that they'll make the right blocks. I have faith that Tajh will make the right call. You have to trust that, follow those blocks. They did an awesome job today. They did a heck of a job."