Louisiana: Interview with Haughton Class of 2016 QB Darius Brooks

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Haughton, once again, is off to another great start to a season as the Buccaneers are 5-2 through their first seven weeks of the 2015 season. Head Coach Rodney Guin has had great success in his 16 seasons as head coach developing several great high school quarterbacks including current Mississippi State star Dak Prescott and current Northwestern State quarterback J.D. Almond.

Prior to the season Coach Guin announced this would be his last year on the Haughton sidelines meaning Bucs’ starting quarterback, dual-threat Darius Brooks, will be his last product developed into a collegiate talent.

Brooks (5’11”, 180 pounds) has had a great senior campaign throwing for 354 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 214 yards and six more touchdowns.

The senior leader attended two college camps this past summer and currently has interest from Louisiana-Lafayette and Midwestern State. In the classroom, Brooks has 2.8 GPA and has plans to study how to become an athletic trainer in college.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Darius to talk about his career at Haughton under Coach Guin and his recruiting process.

Interview
Darius, Haughton is off to a 5-2 start, what are the keys to your team’s success so far this season?

“I know we have to capitalize on the big plays, lower the penalties and eliminate mistakes.”

Prior to the season, Coach Guin announced this was his last season at Haughton, did that add any extra pressure on you?

“Not really, but the seniors are sad. We are doing it for him as we are all working a little harder.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance so far this year?

“I kind of struggled at the beginning but I’m having better games now.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“I can run or pass and can have big plays.”

How does Haughton look going forward?

“It’s a tough schedule ahead but I feel like we can get the job done as the only key injury is to running back D’Kovin Ware.”

Haughton has a tough three game stretch when you host Airline, travel to Parkway then host Evangel. How are you preparing for this stretch of games?

“Just got to go out and stay focused and make big plays and stay injury free. We just have to go out there and do it.”

What is it like being part of an offense that is scoring over 30 points a game?

“It’s an honor to be part of this offense. We will try to lean on the running game but we can also make plays in the passing game.”

What did you work on the most to prepare for your senior season?

“I worked hard on the passing game.”

What college camps did you attend this past summer?

“Louisiana-Lafayette and Michigan.”

Do you have any interest from any schools?

“Louisiana-Lafayette and Midwestern State.”

Have you gone on any visits?

“SMU, this Saturday to Midwestern State, and I’m looking to go to Louisiana-Lafayette soon.”

What kind of feedback have you received about your football talent?

“They said I have good talent and I just need to keep working hard.”

What is your favorite part about playing football?

“Friday Night Lights is my favorite part.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?

“My friends and family and I thank the Lord that I’m injury free.”

What is your current GPA?

“2.8.”

What do you plan on studying in college?

“I want to study to become an athletic trainer.”

Thank you for your time and good luck the rest of the season.

“Thank you sir.”

Photo credit: Bossier Press; Haughton QB Darius Brooks finds running room.