Hendon Hooker on where Tennessee offense has improved this spring

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker has seen improvements in the Volunteers’ fast-paced, high-powered offense since retaking the field with his squad this spring. With season one in Knoxville under his belt, Hooker knows what to expect from a Tennessee team in preseason form, though this spring has defied the star quarterback’s expectations.

“I would definitely say the chemistry from the offense and the offense to the coaches in them knowing who they want in certain positions and who they feel comfortable with,” Hooker said. “You know what guys are good at different things and I feel like the chemistry has been the biggest difference this year than last spring.”

Hooker had a year to remember 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, not to mention he also completed 31 touchdowns while throwing just three interceptions. The Volunteers as a wholemade massive improvements offensively with Hooker at quarterback, finishing ninth in the country in points per game (38.8). They ranked fourth in the SEC in total offense.

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 nationally in QBR, making him a clear early candidate for the Heisman in 2022. Though, has noted that he is locked in on the task at hand, which is keeping the Tennessee offense as one of the SEC’s most explosive. The Volunteers are still working through spring practice, and he’s not thinking about award season just yet.

In three seasons with the Hokies, Hooker threw for 2,894 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In one season with Tennessee, Hooker compiled 2,945 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

After his massive junior season, Hooker had to option to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft, but decided to bypass it for his final year of college eligibility.

“They were saying mid-rounds,” Hooker said about what scouts told him. “I want to go higher, so coming back was a great choice. I thought about it for a couple of days after I met with coach Heupel. I’m happy with the decision and I’m excited to come back and get it going again.”