Issue date: 8/22/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Christopher Peddecord Jereme Brooks runs from the opposite sideline during drills at the end of practice on August 21 at the McCarthey Practice Field.

You've probably heard this story before.

This is the one where the little guy with the big heart defies all the odds. Everyone associated with the athlete knows what he is capable of and everyone who doesn't wonders why he's on the field.

The protagonist is Utah freshman wide receiver Jereme Brooks. At 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Brooks has always been told that he was too small to play football.

"I heard it all the time growing up," Brooks said. "It was always, 'you're way too small' or 'you'll never play college football.' But you just got to ignore that and keep playing."

Brooks did just that. Growing up in football-rich Texas, the wide receiver quickly made a name for himself with his blistering cutbacks and phenomenal hands.

During his senior season at Clear Creek High School, Brooks caught 70 passes for 850 yards and nine touchdowns. His accomplishments earned him first-team all-district and honorable mention all-state, not to mention looks from Utah, Texas Christian and the University of Houston.

The Utes were lucky enough to snag Brooks last spring, and the freshman has been making plays ever since.

"He's little out there, but he's quick and he's got great hands," said Utah wide receiver Brent Casteel. "He's just got to keep working hard and learning plays and he's going to be something to watch out for."

When it comes to football, hard work has never been a problem for the freshman. Brooks revels in silencing his critics and he knows the only way to do that is through hard work and perseverance.

"Everything in Texas is all about football," Brooks said. "I grew up playing football and wanting to be a football player and nothing is going to stop me from doing that. All that talk is just motivation."

Although the Utes are stacked at wide receiver this season, head coach Kyle Whittingham has made it clear that if Brooks keeps working hard, he will definitely see some playing time this season.

"He's made a great impression on all the coaches," Whittingham said. "He's fast, smart, tough and he plays a lot bigger than he is. Jereme (Brooks) is one of those freshmen who has come to the forefront. He'll play; no question about that."

Brooks has been making plays for the Utes throughout fall camp, catching everything thrown his way and quickly becoming a quarterback favorite. In the Utes' second scrimmage of the season, the freshman caught five balls for 73 yards. In the third, Brooks caught a touchdown.

"I'm just trying to make the best of my opportunities so far," Brooks said. "That's all I can do."

Although the coaches have made it clear that Brooks will see playing time this season, the freshman would never let it get to his head -- his humble attitude would never allow it.

When asked what he has that one of the other receivers might not, Brooks replied, "Nothing, I'm just there with fresh legs if they get tired."

This is the beginning of a story about the little guy with the big heart who would never back down from a challenge and doesn't know what "you're too small" means. This is the story of a 5-foot-9 wide receiver who will be a star at the U.

c.brunner@chronicle.utah.edu

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