Tennessee football: Five takeaways from Vols at 2022 SEC Media Days
3. Hendon Hooker, Cedric Tillman, meticulous in becoming even more of a dynamic duo
It’s clear that you always need to take steps to get better each year, but usually, when players are talking about that, they speak in more of a broad sense. However, Tennessee football’s dynamic duo of Hendon Hooker and Cedric Tillman were much more specific about what they need to improve on, signaling they were serious about it.
Tillman was a little more broad, but he delved into why he returned for another year and things he worked on at getting better. His focus was on versatility, but there was a specific part of that versatility that seems obscure. Here’s a bit of what he said.
"“Becoming better off the line and a better overall receiver. I don’t want to have any weaknesses in my game. I don’t want any coaches being like, ‘This is how we stop him.’ Being the best I can be.”"
That may not seem like a big deal, but mentioning getting better of the line specifically touches on something he could get better at. Tillman won lots of jump-balls last year, so it’s a good thing to focus on too, as improving there would allow him to blow past defenders.
Hooker’s was a lot more specific but touched on what everybody saw. He wants to get better at staying in the pocket and moving around properly there. He did get sacked a lot last year, so this is a big deal. This is a bit of what he said on the SEC Network set on that front.
"“One of the biggest things I’ve been working on this offseason has been pocket moving, being uncomfortable, but also being comfortable while being uncomfortable. Being in awkward body positions. Being able to make difficult throws at difficult times.”"
Adding more fuel to that, Hooker talked about his mobility at the podium, and he actually mentioned that he doesn’t want to run as much and is trying to be more of a pass-first guy. Here’s what he said on that front when asked about his ability to run as a quarterback.
"“Honestly, I only want to run when I have to. I love getting the ball to my players and letting them be play makers. I will give everybody else the ball before I run it. Really, whenever I need to or I’m in the position the team wants me to, because I will do what it takes to win.”"
Reading into those quotes, Hooker clearly wants to be a pocket passer whose mobility allows him to make complete even more passes above anything else. Combine it with Tillman’s focus, and Tennessee football’s potential is scary going forward.