If you’ve spent any time around Bogart lately, you know the name. Khamari Brooks isn't just another name on a spreadsheet for Kirby Smart. He’s the local kid. The one who grew up basically in the shadow of Sanford Stadium and then decided to actually stay there.
Recruiting can be a mess. It’s usually full of hats on tables and guys chasing the biggest NIL bag to the highest bidder. But with Brooks, it felt a little different. Maybe it’s because his great-uncle, Horace King, was a pioneer for Black players at Georgia. Or maybe it’s because his grandmother’s husband, Charles Junior, has a 1980 national championship ring tucked away somewhere.
Family matters.
Brooks is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound problem for offensive coordinators. He’s technically listed as an EDGE or an outside linebacker, but that doesn't really cover it. At North Oconee High School, he was doing everything—catching passes as a tight end and then turning around to wreck the quarterback on the next play.
The Recruiting Battle: Georgia vs. Alabama
It’s the classic SEC showdown. For a while, it looked like Alabama might actually pull this off. They had the momentum after his official visit to Tuscaloosa in June 2025. Former Georgia linebacker Christian Robinson was leading the charge for the Tide, and for a minute, the "home-field advantage" felt like it might not be enough.
But then, the Dawgs closed.
👉 See also: LeBron James Without Beard: Why the King Rarely Goes Clean Shaven Anymore
Chidera Uzo-Diribe, Georgia’s outside linebackers coach, was the point man. He didn't just sell Brooks on the "Vanderbilt-to-the-NFL" pipeline that Georgia has perfected. He sold him on the fit. Brooks wanted a coach who matched his energy, and Uzo-Diribe is basically high-voltage at all times.
When the news broke on June 23, 2025, it wasn't a shock to the insiders, but it was a massive relief for the fans. You can’t let a guy like this leave your backyard. Especially not for Bama.
What Makes Him Different on the Field?
Let's talk about the 81-inch wingspan. It's ridiculous. Most guys his age are still trying to figure out how to use their hands, but Brooks uses that reach like a lever. He can keep offensive tackles away from his chest, which is half the battle in the SEC.
His junior year stats were basically a video game:
- 131 total tackles.
- 17 tackles for loss.
- 13 sacks.
- Two defensive touchdowns.
- 31 receptions for 569 yards on offense.
He’s a "multi-sport stud" too. That’s a phrase recruiters love because it means a kid has body control. Brooks didn't just play basketball; he helped lead North Oconee to back-to-back state titles. You see that athleticism when he’s rushing the passer. He has this "bend"—the ability to lean into a turn at full speed without falling—that you usually only see in guys who are already in the league.
✨ Don't miss: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
The Injury and the Resilience
His senior season in 2025 was supposed to be a victory lap. North Oconee was 7-0 and looking like a juggernaut again. Then, the injury happened. It cut his season short and had some fans worried.
Injuries suck. There’s no other way to put it. But Georgia didn't flinch. They stuck by him, and he officially signed his Letter of Intent on December 3, 2025, during the early signing period.
Honestly, the injury might have a silver lining. It gave him time to focus on the mental side of the game. David Pollack, the Georgia legend who volunteers as a coach at North Oconee, has raved about Brooks’ football IQ. He’s not just a "see ball, get ball" player. He’s recognizing schemes before the ball is even snapped.
Why This Matters for the 2026 Class
Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class is loaded, but Brooks is a cornerstone. He’s not the only big name—you’ve got 5-star QB Jared Curtis and elite tackle Ekene Ogboko—but Brooks is the "glue guy."
He’s the local leader who other recruits look to. He already has a built-in connection with wideout Landon Roldan, another North Oconee star who joined the Dawgs.
🔗 Read more: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
People often get hung up on the star ratings. Is he a 4-star? A 5-star? Does it even matter? If you watch the tape, you see a guy who plays with a motor that doesn't quit. In the SEC, that matters more than a fifth star from a recruiting service.
Actionable Insights for Dawg Fans
If you're following the Khamari Brooks Georgia football recruit story, here is what you actually need to keep an eye on over the next six months:
- Recovery and Weight Room: Now that he's officially a Bulldog, his first priority is the strength and conditioning program. He’s already up to about 240 pounds, but adding "good weight" without losing that 4.5 or 4.6 speed is the goal.
- Special Teams Impact: Don't be surprised if you see him on the field early, but not necessarily at EDGE. Kirby Smart loves putting his most athletic young defenders on kickoff and punt coverage to get them "seasoned."
- The Learning Curve: The transition from 4A Georgia high school ball to the SEC is a mountain. Watch how he handles the spring practice sessions. If he’s getting reps with the second-stringers by G-Day, he’s ahead of schedule.
Brooks is a legacy player who earned his own way. He chose the hard path—staying home where the expectations are highest—rather than taking the easy road elsewhere. That says a lot about the kid.
Keep an eye on number 5. He won’t be in the shadows for long.
Next Steps for Following the 2026 Class:
Stay tuned to official UGA signing day portals and spring practice reports to see how Brooks integrates into the defensive rotation. You should also watch for updates on his recovery progress as he prepares for early enrollment in Athens.