Senior Elijah Brooks is furthering his football career by committing to play Division 1 football at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia. VMI is a four-year, military-based institute that is a part of the Southern Conference (SoCon). Brooks has been a crucial player for the Louisa County Varsity Football team as a three-year starter. This season, he was named VHSL First Team All-Region Offensive Lineman and Defensive End.

Brooks had interests from multiple different schools, but VMI was the best fit for him.

“I think VMI is a great school with a great atmosphere,” Brooks said. “It’ll set me up for life while still giving me the chance to play Division 1 football.”

Brooks is excited to continue doing what he loves after he closes his chapter at Louisa.

“Football is my heart and passion, so knowing that I’ll have somewhere to continue to do what I love is a great feeling,” Brooks said.

The attitude and drive Brooks brings to the game will continue to help him grow and succeed as he enters college.

“He is a high motor and hard-working kid,” Head coach William Patrick said. “I’ve watched his leadership qualities grow over the last four years, and I think that will help him at VMI.”

Even though athletics will be a big part of the college experience for Brooks, academically, he plans to study business and marketing. 

While reflecting on his high school career, Brooks has some advice for future generations that dream of becoming a collegiate athletes. 

“Consistency is key,” Brooks said. “Putting in work when nobody’s watching is important so that you can show everybody that you’ve gotten better.”

Brooks is ready to grow and watch his dreams turn into

reality.

“VMI will help me develop mentally and physically and help me mature faster,” Brooks said.