Senior Chris Brooks, a standout wide receiver for SLUH since his freshman year, verbally committed to Yale University on July 16.

Brooks made headlines recently, ranking at number 30 in the 2022 Rivals Missouri Top 30 ranking. Brooks began to shine on the field his junior year, when racked up 400 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The Jr. Bill standout also achieved the 2020 1st Team All-Metro title.

Brooks had several schools to look at, but decided on Yale for the opportunities he would have both on the field and in the classroom.

“There's no doubt in my mind that I want to try to pursue going to the NFL,” said Brooks. “(Yale is) just the best place for me in both aspects of my own athletic future and my future outside of football.”

Another large factor for Brooks was the feeling of familiarity and the welcoming feeling the campus gave off. 

“It was a place that felt like home. When I went up there for a visit or a week, it felt exactly like SLUH,” said Brooks. “Even the campus and just seeing the people there and meeting all the coaches, I kind of knew it was the place I wanted to call home.”

The SLUH has high praise for Brooks as a phenomenal player on the field and a better person off the field. 

“As a leader, as a football player, as a student, and as a young man, I believe God does not make them much better than Chris Brooks,” said assistant coach Adam Cruz. “He is the quintessential role model and ambassador to the school.”

While Brooks continues to look towards his future, he is also looking forward to the upcoming season with the Jr. Bills. This is the Year of the Bill and Brooks plans to go all the way to the state championship and bring a ring with him on his way to Connecticut.

“I think that next year is gonna be very, very good,” said Brooks. “State Championship or nothing.”