Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker is quickly turning into a Nation-wide superstar.
Through seven weeks of the season, the undefeated Volunteers (7-0) appear to have something special in the works, and a lot of its thanks to the rise of Hooker.
While Ohio State’s CJ Stroud remains in the driver’s seat as betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, Hendon Hooker is definitely creeping up following another dominant performance on Saturday.
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For most Heisman Trophy winners, you can look back at a specific point in the season for a "Heisman moment", and Hendon Hooker certainly had just that in the win over Alabama a couple of weeks back.
Despite coming into that game as heavy underdogs at home, Hooker led a thrilling 52-49 win, throwing for 385 yards and five touchdowns, including the go-ahead 13 yard touchdown pass to star receiver Jalin Hyatt with three minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
Vols quarterback coach Joey Halzle recently talked about all the ways Hooker got himself better prior to his breakout senior season.
“He wanted his motion refined,” Halzle said via 247 sports, “he wanted his feet refined, he wanted to keep training his mind. And he started that back in January. And it has been absolutely a privilege to be a part of what he’s been able to do on the field.
Whatever the case may be, Hooker has certainly burst onto the scene in Knoxville this season. He currently ranks second to just Stroud with a 190.8 rating, throwing for 18 touchdowns and just one interception.
Hendon Hooker will be challenged by Kentucky this Saturday night before a huge matchup against the No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs on Nov. 5.
