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Tennessee football’s 15 safest starting spots on 2022 roster in fall camp

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Kns Tennessee Florida Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Kns Tennessee Florida Football /
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Nov 13, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) throws a pass during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) throws a pass during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick Analysis. Quarterback. Redshirt senior. 1. Scouting Report. 839. player. Hendon Hooker

6’4″ 218 pounds

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We go from a guy not expected to win the starting job to a guy who won the starting job after Tennessee football’s season began last year. Hendon Hooker turned into a breakout star for Rocky Top and was the perfect fit in Josh Heupel’s system despite not starting the opener.

Joe Milton III initially had control of the offense and then suffered an injury against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Hooker came in to finish that game and never lost the starting job, throwing for 31 touchdowns and rushing for another five while completing 68 percent of his passes for 2,945 yards, averaging over nine and a half yards an attempt.

Hooker also ran for 616 yards, averaging over three and a half yards an attempt when you factor in the sacks. Most impressive, though, is the fact that he only threw three picks, giving him one of the best yards per attempt average and touchdown to interception ratios in the nation.

Simply put, Hooker was as efficient as you could be. As a result, he is clearly a guy who, after deciding to return for his second senior season and take advantage of the COVID eligibility ruling himself, is locked in with a safe starting job. The only way he loses it is if he gets injured.

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However, while Hooker is safe, that injury issue is a factor. He did get hurt twice last year, and that means Milton or Tayven Jackson, or even Navy Shuler, needs to be ready to step in for Tennessee football. Given the way he uses his legs, while he’s the safe starter, he’s not likely to take every snap this season.

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