Titans safety Amani Hooker stepping up big in minicamp
After grabbing four interceptions as a second year player, Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker took a big leap to becoming a full-time starter in 2021. Now into minicamp and looking ahead to year four, Hooker is hoping to continuing growing his game by taking on a new role within the defense. Hooker has gotten significantly […]
After grabbing four interceptions as a second year player, Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker took a big leap to becoming a full-time starter in 2021. Now into minicamp and looking ahead to year four, Hooker is hoping to continuing growing his game by taking on a new role within the defense.
Hooker has gotten significantly better during each year of his career, and naturally, would like to continue the trend. Titans coaches are in the same boat. With a young and relatively inexperienced Titans secondary surrounding him, Hooker is being looked to for leadership in 2022.
Titans safeties coach Scott Booker spoke to the media before practice on Wednesday, and singled out Hooker as someone he's hoping will step up this year:
"We're looking for development in leadership. I know he wants to take that next step."
– Scott Booker on Titans safety Amani Hooker
If leadership is what they're looking for, Booker has to be pleased with what he's seen out of Hooker so for this offseason. During practice on Wednesday, Hooker engaged in drills with the defensive backs, and gave continued instruction in between reps to rookies Theo Jackson and Roger McCreary.
Jackson was also specifically mentioned as an example of a player Titans coaches want to Hooker to engage with and help out.
"I think someone like Theo (Jackson) is a great example," said Booker. "Him being able to talk to Theo about things he went through as a rookie. Things he did well, things he looks back and thinks he could've done better. Helping Theo along."
According to Jackson, Hooker has already made his impact:
Coaches must also be pleased with Hooker's mindset on the new expectation. He has seemed incredibly engaged and motivated during offseason workouts, and is focusing much of his time into being a stronger football player mentally.
I spoke to Hooker after practice on Wednesday, and he shared about his confidence in himself and the position the defense is in to succeed:
It's rare a player in the NFL makes consistently large jumps in their performance to start their career. Somehow, Amani Hooker has managed to do just that. His development has been a marvel, and as a result, his role within the Titans defense is only going to increase.
I'm expecting big things from Hooker in 2022, whose growth as a player and leader could take some pressure off of Kevin Byard in the Titans secondary, and turn out to be an instrumental piece in the success of the defense.
Image via Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
