Former Vols QB Hendon Hooker is getting asked to do something with Lions that he didn't have to do at Tennessee
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is still adjusting to life as an NFL quarterback after missing most of his rookie season while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered his final game at UT. Hooker, a third round selection by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, is expected to be the primary […]
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is still adjusting to life as an NFL quarterback after missing most of his rookie season while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered his final game at UT.
Hooker, a third round selection by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, is expected to be the primary backup to starting quarterback Jared Goff for the next couple of seasons.
The former Vol is shaking the rust off this summer after being sidelined for a year. Hooker is also learning how to do some things that he wasn't asked to do at Tennessee — such as commanding a huddle.
Tennessee, like many college football teams, doesn't often huddle. The plays are called from the sidelines using various hand signals and signs. Players on the field don't necessarily need to hear the quarterback's voice to know the play.
As Hooker adjusts to life in the NFL, he's learning how to properly command a huddle according to Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell.
"He’s never really done it and it’s not just going in there and calling a play," said Brunell (via the Detroit Free Press). "It’s the communication, it’s the eye contact, it’s how you use your voice. It’s the timing, the rhythm of getting the play call. There’s a lot that goes into it."
"I think what those guys, those other 10 guys are looking at the quarterback, what do they see? Do they see confidence? Do they see a young quarterback that can barely get a play called? But there’s a lot to that and he has gotten better as time has gone on, and he’ll only get better and better at that," added Brunell.
Brunell noted that Hooker has shown considerable improvement when it comes to his presence in the huddle.
"I think just his presence in the huddle has improved significantly," said Brunell.
"His understanding of our concepts and the intent of the plays that are being called by Coach (Ben) Johnson and what we’re trying to accomplish out there. He just has a much better feel at this time then he did a year ago."
Hooker may have been a rookie in 2023, but the 2024 season feels more like the former Vol's rookie year as he finally gets to put on pads and see live action.
Former Vols QB details wild season that includes Peyton Manning, Morgan Wallen, and running from autograph seekers with Hendon Hooker
2022 was an insane time at Tennessee
