Football
- Title:
- Defensive Backs
- Email:
- keelon.brookins@uni.edu
Keelon Brookins returns to UNI for his second stint in 2023 with the Panthers after coaching defensive backs at Kent State in 2022. During his lone season with the Golden Eagles, Brookins coached Third Team All-MAC defensive back Nico Bolden to a breakout season in which he led Kent State in total tackles (103).
Brookins played the first three years of his collegiate career at Wisconsin before transferring to UNI ahead of the 2017 season. He recorded 33 tackles with 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and a pair of interceptions to earn MVFC All-Newcomer Team honors. Brookins ended his collegiate career by helping the Panthers earn a trip to the second round of the FCS playoffs.
Brookins initially joined the UNI staff in 2018 on defense, helping coach 9 all-conference cornerbacks during his first tenure. The Panthers reached the FCS playoffs three times during his first four years on staff, including a trip to the FCS quarterfinals in 2019.
Brookins is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota and is married to his wife Olivia. They have one child, Hendrix.
