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We just got uh some coach speak today from Dave Canales on Jonathan Brooks... he feels great, he feels strong, he looks fast... Jonathan Brooks could be their RB1 this year... I think he could just straight up without an injury with no no contingent stuff, just straight up take over this backfield by the midpoint of the season

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Canales bullish on Brooks as potential RB1; could take over backfield by midseason

Coach Dave Canales has been bullish on Brooks this offseason, stating he feels great, strong, and fast—the guy Canales remembers. Canales indicated in February that Brooks could be the Panthers' RB1 this year, which is rare language for a coach to use about a non-incumbent back. Carolina did not draft or sign another running back, signaling confidence in Brooks. David Montgomery has been hyping Brooks across multiple platforms (Fantasy Points and RotoWire), describing his situation as a revitalization with a potential new lease on life; Montgomery notes the Jonathan Brooks dream never died for those bullish on him coming out of Texas, and Canales is completely buying into it. Montgomery believes Brooks could straight up take over the backfield by midpoint of the season without injury contingencies. Brooks' skill set as a pass catcher and explosive runner, combined with his prospect pedigree from Texas, positions him to outperform Chuba Hubbard.

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