Josh Heupel offers update on Hendon Hooker following first scrimmage of fall camp

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is amidst his first fall camp with the Volunteers as the starter. After starting Joe Milton at QB last season, Josh Heupel moved on to Hooker who has yet to relinquish the starting gig back. Based on the evaluation of Hooker to start camp, that won’t be changing soon either.

Heupel broke down his QB’s fall performance thus far in a press conference on Tuesday. As if it’s any surprise, he says Hooker has remained efficient and continues to have full control of the Tennessee offense to this point.

“Really good, really efficient. Effective. He handled the operation side of it extremely well. He’s been in really good command of what we’re doing offensively (by) keeping us out of bad plays and bad situations. Turning negatives into zero, being decisive, getting the ball out of his hands,” said Heupel. “(He has) complete command of what we’re doing on the offensive side of the ball. Run game and pass protections as well.”

Hooker was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation last year with a 31 to 3 touchdown to interception ratio. He also finished the season with a 68% completion percentage. Another year in the offense and the confidence of being the day one starter should only mean even better statistics for Hooker this season.

On that note, Heupel believes his progression from last season to this one has only seen improvements. He has been impressed with his play thus far as well as his first scrimmage. Now he wants to see Hooker carry it all over into the season.

“I’m really pleased with his progress through spring ball to where he is now. He did some really great things out there today. Had a great day yesterday too. We love where he’s at. Keep fighting and be ready for Week One. Go be your best.”

A full season of Hooker at QB should mean an even better stretch than Tennessee’s 7-6 record last fall. They had a Top-10 offense last season in Josh Heupel’s first season and with Hooker under center. It is now up to them to repeat, if not improve, on that as the Volunteer’s opener against Ball State is quickly approaching.