Former Vols QB Hendon Hooker gives his thoughts on Nico Iamaleava
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker, a third round selection by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, spent only a couple of weeks as former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava's teammate, but that was enough time for Hooker to form a positive opinion about the young quarterback. Hooker was asked this week at SEC […]
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker, a third round selection by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, spent only a couple of weeks as former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava's teammate, but that was enough time for Hooker to form a positive opinion about the young quarterback.
Hooker was asked this week at SEC Media Days about Iamaleava, who will start the season as the primary backup to redshirt senior quarterback Joe Milton, and he had nothing but positive things to say about the California native.
“Just as Nico is as a player, as a person, he’s great to be around,” said Hooker (via On3). “He’s hungry, he’s asking questions, he’s always coming to the apartment, hanging out with Joe and picking his brains.”
“And then when I’m there, he’s doing the same with me," added Hooker. "He always takes constructive criticism the right way. With his talent and his work ethic, it’s going to be amazing to see him and Joe this coming season on the field."
The culture in the quarterback room at Tennessee is as good as it gets. And that's mostly because of Hooker. Head coach Josh Heupel and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle, as well as former offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, deserve plenty of credit for the culture at Tennessee. But I'm not sure it would be possible without Hooker's influence over the last two years.
Why Vols fans should have a lot of respect for Jeremy Pruitt after NCAA penalties were announced
Tennessee Vols fans should have a lot of respect for Jeremy Pruitt after NCAA penalties were announced
Featured image via Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
