Clemson leading returning rusher Zac Brooks will miss the season with a foot injury suffered earlier this week, the school announced Wednesday. According to Dabo Swinney, the third-year running back will take a medical redshirt and return next year with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Brooks ran the ball 48 times last year for 246 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded six receptions for 83 yards and an additional score. This fall, the 6-0, 200-pounder was expected to be the team’s No. 2 running back behind D.J. Howard.
Brooks’ injury could mean that walk-on Kurt Fleming will see a bigger role during his first year in Death Valley. The 22-year-old is entering his freshman year with the Tigers after choosing to play professional baseball out of high school.
Swinney and his staff may also decide to play Adam Choice right away. Choice, a true freshman, initially appeared to be a candidate for a redshirt, but with Tyshon Dye tearing his Achilles in the fall and Brooks now injuring his foot, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the rookie play immediately.