TIFFIN, Ohio—Heidelberg University sophomore running back/kick returner Cartel Brooks (Kokomo, Ind./Galion) was named the Ohio Athletic Conference special teams player of the week by the OAC office today for his efforts in the Student Princes’ 55-3 win over conference foe Capital University last Saturday.
Brooks celebrated Heidelberg’s annual homecoming game by returning the opening kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown, giving the Berg a 6-0 lead just 12 seconds into the game. Despite handling just four kickoff returns this season, Brooks has returned a pair for touchdowns. He took a kick back 85 yards two weeks ago at Baldwin-Wallace College.
Against Capital, Brooks totaled 95 yards on two kick returns and added 62 yards rushing on only four carries, including a 58-yard TD in the fourth quarter.
The win was the first for Heidelberg against the Crusaders since 1999.
Through four games, Brooks has 199 kick return yards (49.8 yards per return) and 105 rushing yards in 11 attempts (9.5 yards per carry).
The honor is the second straight special teams player of the week mention for a Student Prince. Junior placekicker Dan Kilger (Novi, Mich./Novi) garnered the award last week.
Heidelberg next plays Muskingum University on Saturday, Oct. 8 in New Concord. Kickoff from McConagha Stadium is slated for 1:30 p.m.