“It was just the best thing for me,” Brooks told AL.com in a text message.
Recruits can file a release request after signing an NLI.
The request would then likely need to be granted by Tennessee for him to be eligible for the 2021 season at another school.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Brooks is the No. 2 senior prospect in the state, according to the 247 composite rankings. He was No. 4 on AL.com’s updated A-list of top senior recruits.