Hendon Hooker explains going from the man to Joe Milton's mentor after season-ending injury
Hendon Hooker went through a rollercoaster of emotions when he found out he suffered a knee injury that would keep him out for the rest of the collegiate career.
“It was tough,” Hooker told the SEC Network, thinking back to the night he was injured. “I think that night, me and Joe [Milton] kind of sat down on our couch, and a couple rest of our teammates came through. We just had a discussion, and everybody was just high in spirits and looking forward to our next game.
“I was just motivating those guys to go out and finish what we started, no matter what had happened that previous day or that previous game, let’s continue to do what we do and prepare the right way.”
Hooker had to go from the man at Tennessee to Joe Milton’s mentor, which he did for the good of the team and to help them finish what he started after his injury. That was tough, but the freshly-minted Detroit Lions quarterback explained how he was able to do it.
“Just staying the same everyday,” added Hooker. “Bringing that energy, bringing that juice. Helping guys along, whenever there was a question of defensive looks, or game-planning.
“I remember being in my hotel room in LA, hopping on zooms at four in the morning, just so I could make the seven o’clock morning meeting, so I could know what Joe is looking at, what the Clemson defense is giving us for that bowl game. So we could communicate at a high level, as we do every game.”
It worked out for both Hendon Hooker and Tennessee, and now Joe Milton is ready to lead the Volunteers on another successful campaign. When it’s all said and done, Hooker could hold his head up high, knowing he helped usher in a new era in Knoxville.
More on Hendon Hooker, Tennessee Volunteers
Continuing, Hendon Hooker was a four-star prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking as part of the 2017 recruiting class. Hooker started his career at Virginia Tech and spent the first three years of his career with the Hokies. In those three seasons, Hooker played in 21 games and threw for 2,894 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Hendon Hooker then transferred to Tennessee ahead of the 2021 season. After throwing for 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns and three interceptions in his first year at Tennessee, Hooker made a massive leap in 2022. He threw for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions. Hooker was in the mix for the Heisman Trophy until he tore his ACL late in the season, which put an end on his college playing days.
“It was tough,” Hooker said on The Paul Finebaum Show in early April. “I found myself in the early stages kind of tearing up when I watched film and watched games, just missing my teammates, the camaraderie and how hard we compete for each other on a daily basis in practice and in meetings and during game day.
“Through the whole process, just staying positive and connecting with my teammates whenever I can. And having a great support system in my family. Can’t thank them enough.”
Now, Hendon Hooker is ready to roll for the Detroit Lions, while keeping a keen eye towards the Volunteers.