Georgia head coach Kirby Smart points out the specific trait he likes about Vols QB Hendon Hooker
One of the biggest reasons for the Tennessee Vols' success this season has been the play of quarterback Hendon Hooker. Josh Heupel's offensive scheme creates a lot of opportunities for Hooker and Tennessee's skill position players, but without a quarterback who can make quick decisions and difficult throws, the offense wouldn't work. Heupel's system isn't […]
One of the biggest reasons for the Tennessee Vols' success this season has been the play of quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Josh Heupel's offensive scheme creates a lot of opportunities for Hooker and Tennessee's skill position players, but without a quarterback who can make quick decisions and difficult throws, the offense wouldn't work.
Heupel's system isn't a "just insert a quarterback and watch it thrive" offense. It requires a talented quarterback to make it work. And Hooker is more of an elite player than a lot of folks probably realize.
It's not just Hooker's physical abilities that make him elite. The mental side of Hooker's game is as impressive as I've ever seen from a college quarterback. His ability to stay calm and composed in huge moments (as he did against Florida and Alabama) is beyond incredible.
And that's what impresses Georiga Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart the most about Tennessee's quarterback.
Smart talked about Georgia's upcoming matchup with Tennessee during the SEC Coaches' teleconference on Wednesday.
“Probably his composure and poise," said Smart when asked what impresses him about Hooker. "He’s got great composure and poise in the pocket.”
I definitely think Hooker's composure is extremely underrated.
Just look back at the Alabama game and the final drive where Hooker got the Vols in field goal range in just 15 seconds.
I've said it plenty of times but I really don't think I can say it enough — what Hooker did against Alabama is exactly what Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes did against the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs last year.
Tennessee is going to be in the mix for a lot of great quarterbacks in the coming years. They already have a five-star quarterback on the way in 2023 in Nico Iamaleava. There will certainly be more great quarterbacks on Rocky Top.
But don't take what Hendon Hooker is doing this season for granted. It's not just the system — Hooker is an elite human who happens to also be an elite quarterback.
And Vols fans are lucky that he made the journey from Blacksburg to Knoxville — he's truly been a difference-maker for Tennessee.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
