Texas A&M senior DB named to the Preseason Bednarik Award Watch List

The Texas A&M football team boasts a robust secondary featuring seasoned free safety Dalton Brooks and cornerback Marcus Ratcliffe, both regarded as top-tier defenders with significant NFL potential. Brooks led the secondary last season with an impressive 62 tackles, 4 sacks, and an interception, all of which set career highs. Hailing from Shiner, Texas, Brooks has proven to be one of the most versatile players in high school football, excelling at nearly every position.

His transition to safety is characterized by his exceptional athleticism and instincts, which are crucial for providing sideline-to-side coverage and executing open-field tackles. While Brooks has shown significant improvement in coverage over his two seasons, he must focus on becoming more consistent as a run defender. Despite these areas for development, Brooks has already recorded five or more tackles in a game 13 times, including a career-high 12 tackles and a sack during a game against Texas.

As he enters his senior season, Brooks is on track to become a Day 2 draft pick in 2027, though his immediate focus remains on the 2026 season with the Aggies. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, Brooks is a standout player in college football.