Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker hasn't received as much respect from the national media this offseason as I thought he would.

Hooker was a revelation for the Volunteers last season. The former Virginia Tech quarterback was incredibly efficient, throwing 31 touchdowns against only three interceptions.

There are a few national media analysts who have deemed Hooker as a darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate this offseason, but nearly every quarterback receives that designation this time of year.

We've also seen analysts suggest that Hooker could take a step back this season. It's a non-sensical take, but those takes are out there.

247Sports, however, finally gave Hooker the respect that he's deserved all offseason.

The national sports media outlet recently ranked every single (expected) starting quarterback at the FBS level.

As I opened their article and started scrolling, I noticed South Carolina's Spencer Rattler at No. 20 and Kentucky's Will Levis at No. 18. I've seen both of those quarterbacks ranked above Hooker on various lists this summer, so I assumed I'd see Hooker's name somewhere around No. 15 or so.

Instead, I was surprised to see Hooker ranked as the No. 5 quarterback in the nation.

From 247Sports:

If Tennessee coach Josh Heupel is to be believed, Hendon Hooker can be even better this year. That should be a terrifying thought for opposing SEC defenses. The logic makes sense. Hooker already has a year of starting experience under his belt in the Vols' up-tempo system. He could focus this offseason less on cramming to learn said offense and more on personal growth. He did not even enter the 2021 season as Tennessee's starter and did not earn the honor until Week 3, yet still managed to pass for 2,945 yards and 31 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He also rushed for 616 yards and five touchdowns, to boot. With a full season as the starter, and improvement to his game, a potential Heisman Trophy run is not out of the question for Hooker.

I can understand if you're someone who's saying "who cares what the national media thinks"? And you're right, it has no bearing on who wins or loses this fall.

But the more Hooker's name is praised nationally, the more young recruits will take notice of Tennessee. And that's extremely important. The Vols need their footprint to be noticed nationally to ensure that the program starts consistently landing top 10 classes.

If Tennessee can recruit at that level, then a trip to the College Football Playoff in the next five years is very realistic.

Featured image via USA TODAY Sports