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Tennessee football: Five Vols to watch for vs. South Carolina

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) fakes the handoff to Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) fakes the handoff to Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /
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Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between Tennessee and Missouri on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday, Oct. 2 , 2021.Utmizzou 1002 0351
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between Tennessee and Missouri on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday, Oct. 2 , 2021.Utmizzou 1002 0351 /

Pick Analysis. Hendon Hooker. 3. Quarterback. Redshirt senior. player. 839. Scouting Report

6’4″ 218 pounds; Hometown: Greensboro, N.C.

This actually comes down to South Carolina’s biggest strength. The Gamecocks have been great at coming away with interceptions on the year. If Tennessee football is going to remain in control of this game, the Vols can’t throw interceptions, and that’s where Hendon Hooker comes into play.

Last week, Hooker firmly cemented himself as the starter on Rocky Top. He was highly efficient, going 15-of-19 for 225 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while rushing for 80 yards and another touchdown on 15 carries.

For the year, Hooker has completed 61 of 89 passes (68.5 percent) for 838 yards (9.4 yards per attempt), 10 touchdowns and just one interception while rushing for 216 yards and another two touchdowns on 46 carries (4.7 yards per carry). Simply put, he’s been elite in every way.

As a dynamic athlete, Hooker will be asked to do a lot once again to lead the Vols down the field. But the key for him has to be to continue to avoid throwing interceptions. His one pick on the year was a costly one, as it killed the Vols’ final drive in a chance to tie against the Pittsburgh Panthers. If he can make sure not to do that and still be a playmaker, on Saturday, UT will be in good shape.

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