Auburn, Arkansas and Notre Dame never made the final cut for Clemson running back Zac Brooks. Although all were considered top picks for the former four-star recruit to extend his football career, Brooks went with his instinct and chose Clemson.

“When I went there, everything was what I expected and more. The people were great. I could see myself playing there for the next three or four years. I just feel at home when I go there. I wasn’t ready to leave,” he said.

Although granted a medical redshirt due to a broken foot prior to the 2014 season, Clemson’s third leading rusher decided to leave “home” in hopes of joining the NFL as well as achieving his long term goal as an interior designer.

Yes, you read it right – an interior designer.

The 6-foot 1, 200-pound running back is fascinated with interior design.

“It is just something I love to do. My room is art of its own,” the senior said. “I wish I could take that room and show it. I love doing it. I play with apps on my iPad and things like that. It is just something I would really love to make a career out of.”

During Brooks’ rehabilitation, he had a lot of time to think about what he wanted to do with his life after football. His passion for decorating led him to believe that interior design was a desired long- term career goal.

“I have plans after football that I’m very excited about. I love football,” Brooks said. “I want to continue to play and hopefully I can play in the NFL if I get the opportunity. But interior design is something I see as a long term career.”

After learning and accepting the fact he would not be the starting running back this past season, Brooks decided to take on the role as a team leader. The leadership and confidence he as shown throughout the season gives reason to believe Brooks can succeed at anything he does., whether is scoring touchdowns or designing a living room space.

“I feel like I was put in that position for a reason. I feel like everything happens for a reason,” he said. “God allows things to happen for a reason. I felt like I was put in Wayne’s (Gallman) life. I was put in the running backs room to make an impact on those guys, and I feel like I have. I’m leading from a situation that I’m not used to. I’m used to leading from being out in front and doing it by my example.”

Brooks believes his experience playing football for Clemson has greatly impacted his life-decisions and aspirations he plans to achieve in the future.

“I will definitely miss (football) because it is a great game to play. It is a game with many lessons to learn. It is a game about brothers and a game about teammates. Football is like life, really. If you really dissect it and understand it, and realize the lessons you learn in football, they will carry over to life,” he said. “The decisions you have to make and the growth you have in football that I have had has really helped me.”

If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.