Receiver Jalen Brooks finally cleared by NCAA

It took the NCAA clearinghouse at least four games too long, but the right decision was finally rendered when South Carolina Gamecocks receiver Jalen Brooks learned he was eligible to play the rest of the season on Wednesday morning.

Technically transferring in from Tarleton State, Brooks spent two seasons previously at Division II Wingate in North Carolina, where he grabbed 52 catches for 1,048 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Bulldogs. The junior wideout had been a frequent target of praise from the coaching staff during offseason workouts, and now gets his chance to help an inexperienced receiving corps that has struggled to distinguish itself outside of playmaker Shi Smith.

It’s a little much to hope or assume that Brooks alone can cure what’s been ailing the wide receiver group, but the Gamecocks and Collin Hill could absolutely use a veteran target to work with. Here’s hoping he has a great debut against LSU on Saturday.