WMU’s Mark Brooks awaits NFL Draft

Millions of football fans will be closely following the 2022 NFL Draft when it starts this Thursday. They may see the name of a young man form Portland called before the draft ends on Saturday

Mark Brooks, a 2016 Portland High School graduate, just finished his final year playing for the Western Michigan University Broncos. The 6’ 6” 315 pounder played tackle on the offensive line for WMU.

I caught up with Brooks on Saturday in Battle Creek, where he happened to be cheering on the PHS varsity softball team. His dad Jeff is a teacher at PHS and is the assistant softball coach for the Raiders. His mom Elena teaches culinary arts at the Ionia Career Center and keeps book for the Raiders.

When I asked Brooks what he thought about the draft approaching, he said, “It is an exciting time. It is something I have dreamed of my whole life. We will see what happens. I have heard a few things here and there but nothing is ever for sure. Hopefully I get a call.”

In December of 2020, Brooks earned his bachelors from WMU and has continued non-degree study classes for the rest of the year. He recently finished his final season at WMU. Due to NCAA COVID regulations and an injury, this was his sixth year with the WMU program.

Brooks was also one of eight Broncos selected to the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society. According to WMU, “The student-athletes are nominated by their respective schools and must have completed their final year of eligibility in Fall 2021, attained a minimum GPA of 3.2, met all NCAA mandated progress towards degree requirements, and have been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2021 season.” Brooks had a 3.71 studying integrated supply management.

Brooks was also named to the 2021 Academic All-MAC Team

According to hustlebelt.com, “Western Michigan held their Pro Day on March 16, with 13 players showing off their talents in front of a reported crowd of 35 scouts and coaches from 30 NFL teams.” Brooks said, “I think a number of them have a good shot at the league this year.”

The Broncos finished the 2021 season going 8-5 overall and 4-4 in conference. Brooks said, “We played pretty good on the road, and won a big game at Pitt to start the year. We just didn’t finish games like we should have in the MAC West. We finished the year with a bowl win and a ring for it so we are happy.”

At the conclusion of the draft, teams will still have roster spots to fill and any players who have not been drafted are basically up for grabs. These players can be selected as rookie free agents.