Successful in 3 sports, Jalen Brooks of Cardinal Gibbons named Male Athlete of the Year
Cardinal Gibbons High School three-sport athlete Jalen Brooks was named the Male Athlete of the Year at HighSchoolOT Honors on Saturday evening.
Brooks, who will play college football at West Point next year, played three sports for the Crusaders this year – football, wrestling, and lacrosse.
In football, Brooks was a two-time team captain. He is also a two-time all-state selection in football.
Last season, Brooks recorded 69 tackles, including 35 for a loss and 18.5 sacks. He also posted seven fumble recoveries and forced one fumble. He has 177 career tackles, 116 of which are solo tackles. He's also rushed for 17 touchdowns on just 58 carries in his career.
Brooks was a finalist for Football Defensive Player of the Year at HighSchoolOT Honors too.
In wrestling, Brooks is a two-time state champion in the 220-pound weight class. He is undefeated over the last two seasons, posting an 82-0 record. This past season, he was named the Cap 7 Wrestler of the Year.
Brooks has won three-straight regional championships – two mideast titles and one midwest title. As a sophomore, Brooks was the state runner-up in the 220-pound state championship. Brooks' career record is 117-6.
This spring, Brooks decided to pick up lacrosse for the first time. He helped the boys lacrosse team to the 4A state championship.
Earlier this year, Brooks was named the N.C. High School Athletic Association Male Athlete of the Year. He was also named the Male Athlete of the Year at Cardinal Gibbons for the 2018-2019 school year.
