TIFFIN, Ohio—Heidelberg University sophomore running back/kick returner Cartel Brooks (Kokomo, Ind./Galion) was named the Ohio Athletic Conference offensive player of the week, announced today by the OAC office, for his efforts in the Student Princes’ groundbreaking 41-28 win at John Carroll University last Saturday.
Brooks rushed for 139 yards on only 14 carries (9.9 yards per carry) and scored on a 57-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter to put the Berg ahead, 41-14. Prior to his TD run, he scored on a 92-yard kickoff return, his third kick return for a TD this season. Brooks has rushed for 100 or more yards in three straight games and has helped anchor—along with OAC leading rusher Germany Woods (Cleveland/Lakewood St. Edward)—a ground attack that is averaging 272.9 rushing yards per game and has racked up 300 or more yards in the last three contests.
In eight games in 2011, Brooks has rushed for 655 yards in 58 attempts and has scored six TDs on the ground. He averages 81.9 yards per game to rank fourth in the OAC and 11.3 ypc.
Six of Brooks’ nine TDs this season have come from 57 yards or longer. He is averaging 40.2 yards per kick return, but does not qualify to rank nationally (minimum 1.2 kick returns per game).
Heidelberg (7-2, 6-2, OAC) closes the 2011 regular season Saturday, Nov. 12 when its hosts Ohio Northern University (6-3, 5-3 OAC) at Mayer Field in Tiffin, Ohio at 1:30 p.m.