Tennessee Football: Hendon Hooker meets with 5 NFL teams, draft stock, more

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks for an open receiver during the NCAA college football game against Missouri on Saturday, November 12, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn.Ut Vs Missouri
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks for an open receiver during the NCAA college football game against Missouri on Saturday, November 12, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn.Ut Vs Missouri /
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Former Tennessee football quarterback, Hendon Hooker, has been doing a spectacular job increasing his draft stock lately. 

Hooker had one of the best seasons of all time last year, throwing for over 3,100 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also led Tennessee football to their first victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in over 15 years. There is no shortage of love for Hendon Hooker in the city of Knoxville, and all eyes will be on the QB come draft day.

Dec 30, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks on before the 2022 Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks on before the 2022 Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Although Hooker is recovering from a knee injury, many NFL teams and scouts believe that he is recovering at a rapid pace, and will return even better than ever before.

According to NFL Analyst Jordan Schultz on Twitter:

"“Hendon Hooker will not throw in Indy during the Scouting Combine, sources tell @theScore. One of the top-rated QBs in the draft, Hooker is ahead of schedule recovery-wise coming off a torn ACL – he had surgery Dec. 13. Hooker earned SEC OPOY with 32 total TDs and just 2 INTs.”"

Nov 19, 2022; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) passes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2022; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) passes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

While it’s easy to understand that the complexity of his injury, in addition to his age may become a factor, people are seeming to forget that before his injury he was by far the best player in all of college football…

According to NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah:

"“Hooker is an ultra-productive QB with size, accuracy, and athleticism. He operates in the Vols’ unique spread attack, where they send their outside wideouts to the extreme edges of the field and force opponents to defend them in space. Hooker has outstanding field vision, makes quick decisions, and delivers the ball in a position where his receivers can easily run after the catch. He doesn’t have a powerful arm, but he can make all the necessary throws."

Daniel also went on to add more regarding his arm strength and play style:

"He throws a beautiful deep ball. He has the athleticism to extend plays and he’s very effective on designed QB runs. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury late in the season that could jeopardize his rookie campaign. Also, his age (25) is a concern for some teams. Overall, I see Hooker as a quality starting QB and wouldn’t be shocked if he has the best career of any passer in this year’s class.”"

Next. Recap of the Vols transfer portal pickups, more. dark