Hendon Hooker posts highest PFF grade for a Tennessee QB in nearly a decade
Hendon Hooker began his career at Virginia Tech, but he entered the transfer portal and departed for Tennessee prior to the 2021 season. That proved to be a good decision for Hooker, as he turned in an incredibly productive campaign.
In fact, Pro Football Focus put Hooker’s 2021 campaign in some pretty good company. According to PFF, Hooker finished the season with an 84.4 grade, which is the best single-season mark from a Tennessee quarterback since 2014.
In 13 games last season, Hooker completed 68 percent of his pass attempts for 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also had a great impact on the ground, rushing for 616 yards and five additional scores.
Tennessee finished the 2021 season with a 7-6 record, including a 4-4 mark against SEC opponents. The Volunteers lost in the Music City Bowl to end the year, but there is plenty of momentum carrying over as the 2022 season inches closer.
Hooker could be in line for another strong season for Tennessee in 2022
Instead of entering the 2022 NFL Draft, Hooker opted to return to school for another year. Now, the expectations are high as he enters his second year at Tennessee. Earlier in the offseason, On3’s Matt Zenitz listed Hooker at No. 9 in his way-too-early look at the top ten candidates to win the 2022 Heisman Trophy.
As the Volunteers wrapped up the spring, though, Hooker was only focused on getting better. He isn’t focused on the preseason hype surrounding him, and he instead wants that hype to translate into success on the field for both him and his team.
“Honestly, right now, my thoughts are on finishing spring ball and winning ball games,” Hooker said. “I feel like the accolades will come later.”
As he gears up for his second season at Tennessee, Hooker has noticed some substantial differences in the offense. With a year under his belt in the system, Hooker is confident that the offense is going to be a very solid unit as they have grown closer over the last year.
“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,” he 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.”