Marion's Blair Brooks will attend Iowa for football, track and field

CEDAR RAPIDS — You really didn't expect him to go anywhere else for his college athletics career. He's a legacy.

Marion senior Blair Brooks announced Saturday afternoon he will attend the University of Iowa next year and participate in both football and track and field.

His father, Rob, is the radio sideline reporter for Iowa football broadcasts and the main play-by-play broadcaster for the Hawkeyes women's basketball team. His grandfather, Bob, was a local broadcasting legend and an Iowa grad.

'It's a dream come true,' Blair Brooks said. 'It means a lot to me and my family. I just want to thank everyone for their support.'

Proud to announce my commitment to the University of Iowa to continue my football and track and field careers October 14, 2017

Proud to announce my commitment to the University of Iowa to continue my football and track and field careers #Swarm18 pic.twitter.com/EKwBVa0chb

— Blair Brooks (@BlairBrooks11)

Brooks is a state champion high jumper and long jumper in track and field. He also is Marion's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.

He had five catches for 81 yards Friday night as Marion upset Class 3A ninth-ranked West Delaware, 16-14. Brooks has 37 catches and nine TDs this season, despite being double-teamed in virtually every game.

Despite football offers from Western Illinois and South Dakota, he has decided to be a preferred walk-on at Iowa. He made his decision after visiting Hawkeyes coaches Thursday.

'This is just the best opportunity for me,' he said.

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