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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for against Purdue Boilermakers

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) plays defense during the first half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) plays defense during the first half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917 /

Pick Analysis. Hendon Hooker. 3. player. 839. Scouting Report. Quarterback. Senior

6’4″ 218 pounds

If it takes the stars to beat Purdue, then Tennessee football will obviously need its quarterback to do his job. C.J. Stroud of the Ohio State Buckeyes is the only passer that Purdue has faced all year who is more efficient than Hendon Hooker, and he completed 31-of-38 passes for 361 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions against them.

Unlike Stroud, Hooker is a dual-threat quarterback. Now, Hooker doesn’t generate the raw yardage that other quarterbacks with his efficiency generate, but given Purdue’s weaknesses, he should still be in great position to dominate statistically and potentially even be the game’s MVP.

This year, Hooker has completed 180 of 261 passes (69 percent) for 2,567 yards (9.8 yards per attempt), 26 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also has 148 carries for 561 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and five touchdowns.

It’s likely that Hooker comes into this game with a ton of momentum behind him after the news that he’s returning for another year on Rocky Top. The graduate transfer from the Virginia Tech Hokies has been a perfect fit for Josh Heupel’s offense despite not even starting the year, and this is a great chance for him to give Vol fans a preview of what they’ll see next year.

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