Interceptions are typically associated with defensive backs and usually considered their most defining statistic. That is why it is strange to see two interceptions under the name Ahmad Brooks in Saturday's boxscore -- strange because the sophomore Brooks is a middle linebacker, a position not usually associated with picks or passes defended.
Opposing offenses consider Brooks' versatility a problem when preparing to face Virginia: How do you stop a large and multitalented middle linebacker?
Other teams' worries have become Virginia's advantage as Brooks has helped lead the Cavaliers to a 7-1 record and a tie for the ACC lead with in-state rival Virginia Tech. He not only encompasses the standard middle linebacker position but that of a pass-rusher and cover defender as well.
"He's a player of really significant talent and that's pretty obvious by anyone who watches him play," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "If you're a guy that coaches that position, you'd probably have an even higher impression of him than a casual observer."
Consider Brooks' current stat line: 62 tackles (38 solo), six tackles for a loss, five and half sacks, two interceptions, four pass break-ups, one quarterback hurry and one forced fumble. These statistics highlight the overall versatility of this year's Butkus award semifinalist, an award given in December to the nation's best college linebacker.
With his size, 6-feet-4 inches and 249 pounds, Brooks can play the standard middle linebacker position which involves stopping the run and making plays in the middle of the field. However, he can also rush through opposing offensive lines and create pressure on the quarterback. He is second on the Virginia squad in sacks, just half a sack behind fellow linebacker, junior Darryl Blackstock.
In addition to stopping the run and rushing the passer, Brooks has the ability to contribute in Virginia's pass coverage. For his size, Brooks possess exceptional speed and the knack for disrupting pass plays.
"In those particular cases, he knew exactly where he should go," Groh said. "In the coverage that we were playing [Saturday], he had a real good sense of a time clock in his head of when to look for the ball."
In Saturday's 16-0 win over Maryland, Brooks made the first two interceptions of his college career. In both interceptions, he displayed the athletic ability that separates him from many players in the nation.
"Obviously neither one of them was your garden variety interception," Groh said. "They were very athletic interceptions by a very athletic linebacker."
The first interception involved Brooks ranging back and tipping a pass to himself that was intended for Maryland tight-end Vernon Davis on a third-and-10. The second involved Brooks picking off a pass on a deep post route to Maryland's slot receiver.
"The second [interception] came in our main defense call," Brooks said. "What they had me doing was cover the middle of the field kind of like a safety."
Even with Brooks' display of extraordinary talent and skill, Groh realizes that his versatile middle linebacker still lacks the knowledge and experience to take it to the next level.
"He knows he's got skills. He knows he should be a good player," Groh said. "He's got ambition to be a good player."
After starting his entire freshman season, Brooks has learned what it takes to play college football. In only his second year, he has matured quickly. He has gone from Freshman All-American to Butkus Award semifinalist in one season. Hopefully for Virginia fans, his all-around play will continue to impress and aid Virginia in its trek to win an ACC title.
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