Hendon Hooker addresses what part of his game he is working to improve

After finishing the 2021 season as one of the nation’s most efficient quarterbacks, Tennessee star Hendon Hooker is back for more in 2022. The senior hopes to improve his draft stock by addressing certain parts of his game this spring and in the fall.

“Really just the mental aspect of the game, just trying to capitalize on every opportunity I can to get in there with the coaches and go over film,” Hooker told reporters about his areas for improvement. “To talk through different situations and to approach the game from a mental standpoint as a player-coach. Being in total control of the offense and just being efficient.”

Hooker had quite a year for the Volunteers in Josh Heupel’s first season as head coach. He finished in the top-five in the SEC with 2,945 passing yards and was a top-20 rusher in the league with 613 yards on the ground. On top of the yardage, he also completed 31 touchdowns while throwing just three interceptions.

The former Virginia Tech Hokie has improved his completion percentage every year since he starting getting major reps. He posted a 61.1% in 2019, 65.3% in 2020 and 68.2% in 2021. He ranked 16th in QBR, making him a clear early candidate for the Heisman in 2022.

Coming out of high school in Greensboro, North Carolina, Hooker was a four-star prospect. He ranked No. 350 in the nation, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Hooker reacts to being in mix for Heisman Trophy

Although the 2022 college football season is still a few months away and spring ball is still going on, the way-too-early Heisman Trophy conversation is already going.

Hendon Hooker is a proven dual-threat, and that’s sure to help his case for the Heisman if he can repeat that performance this coming season. But for now, he’s locked in on the task at hand. The Volunteers are still working through spring practice, and he’s not thinking about regular-season awards just yet.

“Honestly, right now, my thoughts are on finishing spring ball and winning ball games,” Hooker said. “I feel like the accolades will come later.”

Hooker could’ve gone to the NFL Draft and even tested the waters. Ultimately, he decided to return to Tennessee for one last go-round, and now he has a chance to keep the Heisman conversation going.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.