OU Running Back Kennedy Brooks Lost for Season With Shoulder Injury

Replacing Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine will be no small task for Oklahoma, and it looks to be even more difficult for the Sooners after losing a stud freshman for the season.

Former four-star prospect Kennedy Brooks of Mansfield, Texas, will miss the entire 2017 season after sustaining a shoulder injury that was a chronic problem, OU head coach Lincoln Riley said on Saturday, just one day after Brooks posted a picture on Twitter with his shoulder in a sling.

Lincoln Riley confirmed freshman RB Kennedy Brooks will miss this season with a shoulder injury. #Sooners

— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) August 19, 2017

Kennedy Brooks shoulder injury was a chronic problem. Riley said instead of fighting thru pain all season, opted for surgery. #Sooners

— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) August 19, 2017

Although all signs point to redshirt sophomore Rodney Anderson and sophomore Abdul Adams soaking up a bulk of the carries this season, Brooks had the ability to become a factor in the running back competition. His injury and absence puts him on track to redshirt and now opens the door of opportunity for junior college transfer Marcelias Sutton and freshman Trey Sermon.

Adams rushed for 283 yards last season with the Sooners, and is the only OU running back in the mix for 2017 who recorded stats at the Division I level last season.

As a senior last season at Mansfield, Brooks recorded 2,679 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns, garnering offers from OSU, Baylor, Arkansas, Michigan, Texas A&M and others.