Tennessee Vols QB Hendon Hooker receives big-time national respect
It's rare that the Tennessee Vols get respect from the national media. So when it actually happens, we have to give it the proper attention. Rivals.com analyst Mike Farrell (yes, the same guy who once tweeted disparaging things about Trey Smith), revealed his top 10 quarterbacks in the country on Monday. And he has Vols […]
It's rare that the Tennessee Vols get respect from the national media.
So when it actually happens, we have to give it the proper attention.
Rivals.com analyst Mike Farrell (yes, the same guy who once tweeted disparaging things about Trey Smith), revealed his top 10 quarterbacks in the country on Monday.
And he has Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker as his No. 5 overall college football quarterback.
The Virginia Tech transfer quickly got up to speed for the Volunteers and new coach Josh Heupel, and finished the season with 31 touchdowns and only three interceptions. If he gets a chance to let it rip even more in 2022, he could put up some huge numbers.
Hooker has emerged as a dark-horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy in 2022. Some may scoff at that notion, but I don't think the idea of Hooker being a Heisman finalist is that far-fetched. His extrapolated numbers suggest he should have a legitimate shot to at least be a finalist.
The real obstacle is Tennessee's final record. The Vols likely need to be at least a 10 win team for Hooker to have a shot. Unfortunately, only the quarterbacks on great teams usually get a real shot at winning the award.
Then again, if Hooker plays to that level, maybe the Vols will surprise some folks and finish with 10 or 11 wins.
As good as things are going on Rocky Top right now, I wouldn't rule it out.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
