Hendon Hooker hypes up key newcomer that Tennessee will be counting on in 2023
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker recently hyped up a newcomer that UT will be counting on in 2023. The Vols suffered several key losses this offseason from their 2022 squad that went 11-2. Right tackle Darnell Wright, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft (by the Chicago Bears), highlights the Vols' […]
Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker recently hyped up a newcomer that UT will be counting on in 2023.
The Vols suffered several key losses this offseason from their 2022 squad that went 11-2.
Right tackle Darnell Wright, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft (by the Chicago Bears), highlights the Vols' losses from last year's team.
Wright didn't allow a sack while playing right tackle for the Vols last season, despite going up against Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson (the No. 3 overall pick in the draft) and LSU edge rusher BJ Ojulari (a second round pick).
Vols head coach Josh Heupel said during an interview with On3's Andy Staples last week that Gerald Mincey and Jeremiah Crawford will likely hold down the right tackle position for Tennessee this fall (Mincey and Crawford split reps at left tackle last season).
That means Miami Hurricanes transfer John Campbell should start at left tackle for Tennessee in 2023.
Hooker, who was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the draft, won't be sharing the field with Campbell at Tennessee, but he still likes what he's seen from the former Hurricanes offensive lineman.
"Left tackle John Campbell," said Hooker when asked which newcomers fans should look out for in 2023. "He's a monster, he's a monster. I'm excited to see him throw people out of the club this season."
There's no doubt that Tennessee has the skill position players to win a championship. Quarterback Joe Milton is viewed as one of the most talented players in the nation. And wide receivers Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, Dont'e Thornton, and Ramel Keyton could prove to the best pass-catching group in the nation. Throw in the three-headed running back monster of Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, and Dylan Sampson and it's easy to see why fans are excited about what the Vols can accomplish in 2023.
But for Tennessee to have another special season, they'll need Campbell and the rest of the offensive line to play at a high level. And Campbell will be especially important at left tackle.
Fortunately for the Vols, it sounds like Campbell, based on Hooker's comments, is a force to be reckoned with. Replacing Wright's presence on the offensive line was never going to be easy, but it sounds like Tennessee might have the right guy in Campbell.
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Featured image via Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
