August 12, 2003
Texas A&M senior offensive lineman Andre Brooks has decided to retire from playing football because of his knees, A&M coach Dennis Franchione said following Tuesday's practice at the grass fields near Kyle Field.
Brooks, from Richwood, Texas (Brazoswood HS), has started at offensive guard and tackle in portions of the past three seasons. Expected to contend for a starting position this season, Brooks made his decision following the team's first workout on Monday morning.
"Andre is medically unable to continue," Franchione said. "His knees are just not in the best interest for him to go forward. I feel bad about losing him, but we certainly understand."
Brooks played in 10 of the Aggies' 12 games last season while starting in five games at offensive tackle.
He received his degree in management last spring and will remain on campus to continue his graduate studies.
Franchione said he is still looking for the best five players to start on the offensive line.
"We're still moving people around and trying to find the right combinations," Franchione said. "We moved some of the freshman up and some others down, and vice-versa. It's like the rest of our football team, I'm still looking for the best five to start and the next best five to back them up."
Last February, Franchione and his staff inked an impressive class of offensive lineman. Franchione said he has taken notice of the group's ability.
"In 31 years of coaching, this may be about as fine group of freshman offensive linemen as I've been around," Franchione said.
As a total class, the newcomers were ranked in the top 10 by several national recruiting services and Franchione said several of the players at different positions have the potential to help this season.
"A number of them have done well for eight practices that we think could be in the mix," Franchione said. "Eight is still early to tell you they have survived the test of time and that they can do this at a high level for 20 something practices.
"I would say that two-thirds of them or more are potentially guys that can help us right now. But, it's still too early for me tie that down very tightly."
The Aggies practiced for approximately three hours in full pads in the afternoon. The squad will hold two workouts on Wednesday with the first whistle being blown at 5:45 a.m. The evening workout is slated for 6:30 p.m.
A&M is preparing for its first game which is against Arkansas State on Saturday, August 30, at 7 p.m. at Kyle Field.