National reporter has strong take on Vols QB Hendon Hooker and the Heisman Trophy race
Before the season started, Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker was a trendy "darkhorse candidate" to win the Heisman Trophy. We're already a third of the way through the season and Hooker is proving that he was worthy of the hype. The Greensboro, NC native is completing over 71 percent of his passes and he's yet […]
Before the season started, Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker was a trendy "darkhorse candidate" to win the Heisman Trophy.
We're already a third of the way through the season and Hooker is proving that he was worthy of the hype.
The Greensboro, NC native is completing over 71 percent of his passes and he's yet to throw an interception this season.
Hooker is currently on pace for 3,802 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 568 rushing yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns.
I wouldn't say Hooker is the front-runner to win the Heisman, but he's definitely in the conversation.
And The Athletic's David Ubben agrees.
Ubben appeared on 104.5 The Zone's "Ramon and Will" on Wednesday and had some extremely positive things to say about Hooker.
"He's right in the mix," said Ubben of Hooker and the Heisman. "Right now, Hendon Hooker is mastering the (quarterback) position. It just seems like everything moves really slowly for him."
"You can talk about the production, you can talk about some of the throws he's made, the toughness, and all the things he's showed. But for me, against Florida, the thing I took away from that is he just continually makes the right decisions in all facets….if he needs to run, he's running. If he needs to throw, he's throwing."
The odds are stacked against Hooker actually winning the Heisman. Tennessee would likely need to make the playoff for Hooker to have a real shot at winning the award.
But if he can just be a finalist, it would be massive for the Vols when it comes to recruiting. The amount of positive attention that Tennessee would receive via Hooker being a finalist would be extremely beneficial for the Vols.
I'm sure there are some fans that don't view Hooker being in the Heisman conversation as a big deal. But those fans aren't seeing the full picture. If your quarterback is in the Heisman conversation, then that's usually a pretty good sign that a program is on the verge of being elite.
Everything about winning football games starts with the quarterback. And Tennessee is fortunate to have one of the best in the nation at the position.
Featured image via Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
