It's exactly what happened. Going in to the summer of his sophomore year of high school, he was 88-91. Legit velo, legit secondary and command and (potential) legit national prospect. It was a big loss for Nebraska, in the eyes of many, when he committed to Kansas State. This spring, he was 82-84, maybe hit 85 a handful of times. I was at 2 of his games this spring, including state where he got peppered in game 1, and saw it with my own eyes. I didn't hear from anybody that Brooks was upper 80's at all this spring.
Brooks should've never quit playing summer ball at a high level, whether that was for the Nebraska Prospects or someone else not named Wayne Legion. Once he committed to Kansas State, he went backwards. Kansas State stayed in contact with him advising him he needs to pitch against higher competition and he chose not to. After all reports and follow-ups were finalized, they pulled his opportunity to play at Kansas State.
Kansas State is still active in the portal, with scholarship money. But they don't have any for Brooks because of too many guys returning? Pure non-sense.
If, and I stress if, Brooks is able to gain back what he had a couple years ago - he's going to be really freaking good for Nebraska. It's on him, and nobody else, to dedicate himself and stick it up Hughes' ass.
Like I initially said, what is KState's loss could be Nebraska's gain.