Hendon Hooker Profile

By: Lucas Kochevar

#5 Hendon Hooker, Tennessee, 6’4’’ 218lbs.

• 3,135 Yds, 27TD, 2Ints
• Games Watched: Alabama, UGA, South Carolina

Film Thoughts: Good footwork and pocket presence. Decent mobility (Got to see it post-ACL surgery). Sold short throws and good accuracy over the middle.  Good decision-making in terms of going to run. Good arm strength, but can be inconsistent with his deep throws. Can throw with velocity to the sidelines, but the placement isn’t perfect. Solid frame. Play action needs work and need to play under center. Deep throws tend to float to the outside. Feels like he only throws it one style and speed. As a runner, he’s not supremely agile.

Hendon Hooker was on pace to be the Heisman winner of 2022, but an ACL injury cut his season short and will be a concern moving forward. Hooker exploded onto the scene with big, flashy offensive numbers in a very QB friendly offense under Josh Heupel. Before his injury, Hooker was good with his mobility North and South. Hooker is solid in his short and medium level throws; however, the placement can be inconsistent. His deep ball is more of a wild card as he has good arm strength but is inconsistent in his placement. He can throw on the run, but with the injury it may be hindered. Another concern regarding Hooker is his age at 25 years old. I think Hooker can play a good role on a team with an aging veteran. As a backup, he can recover from his injury and develop his game as a passer more. 

Sources: Image via Caitie McMekin, USA TODAY NETWORK.