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Tennessee football 2022 preview by position: QB

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Tayven Jackson (10) takes a drink during Tennessee football spring practice at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.Kns Ut Spring Fball 10
Tennessee quarterback Tayven Jackson (10) takes a drink during Tennessee football spring practice at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.Kns Ut Spring Fball 10 /
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Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

Starters returning

Hendon Hooker

  • 6’4″ 218 pounds
  • Redshirt senior (graduate)
  • Greensboro, N.C. (Dudley High School)

Welcome to the biggest reason for hype surrounding Tennessee football this year. Hendon Hooker transferred to the Vols last January, before Josh Heupel was hired, from the Virginia Tech Hokies. He wasn’t initially the starter, but after stepping in for an injury against the Pittsburgh Panthers, he took the job for good and never lost it.

In the process, Hooker perfectly executed Josh Heupel’s offense, completing 206-of-303 passes (68 percent) for 2,945 yards (9.7 yards per attempt), 31 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also had 166 carries for 616 yards (3.7 yards per carry) and five touchdowns.

Make no mistake, Hooker’s emergence and decision to return for his graduate senior year is why there is so much hype behind the Vols. He needs to work on a few things, like thinking more quickly in the pocket, lessening the mistakes he makes on reads and not fumbling the ball, but he’s got so much going for him.

For his career, Hooker has a 65.5 percent completion rate, he averages nine and a half yards an attempt, and he’s thrown 53 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions. He also has 1,649 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, so his success is good in its own right and doesn’t just rely on Heupel. That’s a good sign for the Vols this year.

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