Cedric Tillman explains the detail that makes Hendon Hooker a great QB and a great leader
One of the biggest reasons the Tennessee Vols found success in Josh Heupel's first season as the program's head coach was the emergence of quarterback Hendon Hooker. The former Virginia Tech signal caller didn't start the 2021 season as the Vols' starting quarterback. Hooker took over in Tennessee's second game of the season — a […]
One of the biggest reasons the Tennessee Vols found success in Josh Heupel's first season as the program's head coach was the emergence of quarterback Hendon Hooker.
The former Virginia Tech signal caller didn't start the 2021 season as the Vols' starting quarterback. Hooker took over in Tennessee's second game of the season — a loss to Pittsburgh — and never looked back.
Hooker proved to be an effective quarterback who could make quick decisions and operate Heupel's up-tempo offense in an efficient manner. He also made his mark as a great leader.
On Thursday, during an interview with 104.5 The Zone's 3HL, Vols wide receiver Cedric Tillman explained the detail that makes Hooker an incredible teammate and leader.
"[Hooker is] one of the hardest workers on the team," said Tillman. "When I say lay his body on the line every play, he will. As a receiver, I'm like "Hendon, you're getting hit more than me dog'. I wouldn't even take some of those hits, like, slide."
"If I could slide I would sometimes," added a laughing Tillman.
"He'll be like 'I gotta get those extra two yards'. Not every quarterback is built that way. As much as I would like for him to slide sometimes, he's just a competitor. He's going to compete."
Tillman also said that seeing Hooker fight for extra yards gives him some added motivation to block down the field.
Hooker isn't a flashy player. He's a private person who keeps his head down and works hard. His hard work, however, speaks loudly. And it's clear that his teammates are more than willing to go to battle with the Greensboro, NC native.
A lot of players want to be great leaders. But very few have the intangibles to be a great leader when it counts. It comes naturally for Hooker. And it's one of the reasons why the Vols have a shot to win 10 games this season for the first time in 15 years.
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
