ESPN points out one wild stat that shows why Hendon Hooker should be the Heisman frontrunner
The Tennessee Vols still have five regular season games left to play — and a lot can change in that time — but for now, it appears that UT quarterback Hendon Hooker is the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. And there's one wild stat that ESPN pointed out that's a huge reason why that's the […]
The Tennessee Vols still have five regular season games left to play — and a lot can change in that time — but for now, it appears that UT quarterback Hendon Hooker is the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
And there's one wild stat that ESPN pointed out that's a huge reason why that's the case.
According to ESPN's David M. Hale, Hooker is the only college quarterback in the last 20 years that's completed over 70 percent of his passes, accounted for 2,400 total yards, and thrown 18 touchdown passes with just one interception in the first seven games of the season.
"What Hooker has done so far this year is unprecedented, and that, in and of itself, is Heisman worthy," wrote Hale after revealing that insane stat.
Hale also pointed out that Hooker had one of the best "Heisman moments" of the season against Alabama when he completed the final pass of the game to wide receiver Bru McCoy to set up Chase McGrath's game-winning 40-yard field goal.
From ESPN:
Of course, as inarguable as the numbers may be, statistics can be a bit dispassionate. Indeed, it's understood that the Heisman requires more than numbers. It's about heart. It's about narrative. It's about a Heisman moment.
Well, who has a bigger Heisman moment this year than Hooker? Five touchdowns, 385 yards and a win over Alabama would be enough regardless, but add in the context of a 15-year losing streak against the Tide and the dramatic finish, with Alabama missing a field goal only to see Hooker connect with Bru McCoy in the final seconds of the game to set up the Vols' winner, the celebration, the goal posts in the river … that, my friends, is as big as Heisman moments get.
Hooker's final drive against Alabama — the two passes to get Tennessee into field goal range — is one of the smoothest drives I've ever seen from a college quarterback.
It wasn't just Patrick Mahomes-like, it was exactly what we saw Mahomes do back in January against the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs.
As much praise as Hooker has received this season, I still think he might be underrated. What he's doing — and how he's doing it (calm, cool, collected) — is beyond impressive. He's playing at an elite level and if he keeps this up, there's a high chance he ends Tennessee's Heisman drought.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
