The end of the Smith and Brooks era, looking back

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IceBoxGopher

IceBoxGopher

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While the passing game has been a highlight for the 2019 season, the Outback Bowl aslo marked the end of Gopher careers for Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks. The two had awesome moments, especially Smith, but it's unfortunate that they had to deal with a large amount of injuries.
Brooks missed the Outback Bowl and finished 12th in rushing yards in school history. Brooks also finishes 11th in rushing touchdowns. Smith is now second all time in rushing yards and sixth for touchdowns.

These are Smith's stats over his career:
  • 2015 - 670 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • 2016 - 1,158 yards, 16 touchdowns
  • 2017 - 977 yards, 3 touchdowns
  • 2018 - 157 yards, 0 touchdowns
  • 2019 - 1,163 yards, 8 touchdowns
Smith's totals came to 4,125 yards and 29 touchdowns. Smith also compiled 521 receiving yards and 798 kick return yards. With the latter he had 2 touchdowns

For Brooks:
  • 2015 - 709 yards, 7 touchdowns
  • 2016 - 650 yards, 5 touchdowns
  • 2017 - 369 yards, 5 touchdowns
  • 2018 - 154 yards, 1 touchdown
  • 2019 - 408 yards, 2 touchdowns
Brooks' totals came to 2,290 yards and 20 touchdowns. Brooks also compiled 313 receiving yards with 2 touchdowns. He also had 503 kick return yards

Combined, the duo had 6,415 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns.

In comparison, with Minnesota's last iconic rushing duo, Laurence Maroney had 3,933 yards with 32 touchdowns and Marion Barber III had 3,276 yards with 35 touchdowns. Their combined total was 7,209 yards and 67 touchdowns.

Looking ahead to next year, Mohamed Ibrahim comes in with a total of 1,764 yards and 16 touchdowns. Bryce Williams will also come in with 526 yeards and 5 touchdowns. They've both played two years.
 






Both memorable Gophers forever.
 


Yeah they both were a lot of fun to watch. What did Beth Mowins call them? Bash and Pop?
 

Both Smith and Brooks were top RBs when healthy, great fun to watch with contrasting styles, good examples of perseverance for the younger guys, and in the class of athletes that's taken Gopher football to the next level. Kudos to them. Assuming Minnesota puts up a BG10 West banner, they'll be able to point to it with pride as the first class to hoist a banner in 52 years. Wishing all the best success for them as they graduate.
 





One of my strongest recollection over my 54 years as an adult Gopher fan is all the wonderful guys and players who have worn the maroon and gold over all those years. They are legion. And so many, like Rodney and Shannon, were excellent players on some very good teams. I'm delighted that these two guys got to go out on such a high note.
 

Smith and Brooks both had great careers. Rodney came in the same year as Jeff Jones, who would have thought he’d be the one to finish 2nd all-time in rushing?

RB is also a position for kids. At most positions, players get better as they get older. I think both Rodney and Shannon were more explosive earlier in their careers. It will be Mo’s time to shine next year and I think we won’t miss a beat.
 



I remember Smith being kind of a late add that was completely overshadowed by Jeff Jones in his class. Boy that didn't turn out as expected.
 

northeast_mpls_guy said:
I remember Smith being kind of a late add that was completely overshadowed by Jeff Jones in his class. Boy that didn't turn out as expected.
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I never like to see someone throw away opportunities like Jones did ... but man the amount of hype on this forum for Jones was so high that I was glad when it was over.
 

A_Slab_of_Bacon said:
I never like to see someone throw away opportunities like Jones did ... but man the amount of hype on this forum for Jones was so high that I was glad when it was over.
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It wasn't just this forum. He was hyped up all over the local media and elsewhere.
 



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