Hendon Hooker reveals the true feeling around the Detroit Lions entering 2023
Hendon Hooker is exuberant regarding the present and future of the Detroit Lions.
If all goes according to plan, Hooker will play a pivotal role in that future. The former Tennessee Volunteers star was drafted by the franchise to eventually become their starting quarterback, but there isn’t any rush at the moment, as Detroit employs veteran signal-caller Jared Goff, and Hooker is working his way back from a major knee injury.
Still, the Lions saw enough in Hooker’s abilities over the past two seasons with Tennessee to select him in the 2023 NFL Draft, believing in his abilities both passing the football and making plays with his legs.
As the former Tennessee quarterback gets his feet wet in the NFL, he joined SEC Network during SEC Media Days, where he revealed his true feelings regarding the franchise that drafted him entering the 2023 season.
”It’s very competitive,” Hooker said. “Very competitive. I love it. The energy and just the attention to detail on a daily basis is incredible. Whenever we get out on the field, it’s a whole other level of competitive nature.
“From the coaches, the players, you can just tell that everyone cares and wants to get better day-to-day.”
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.
On the other hand, the Lions narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, but the future is more than bright under Dan Campbell. The franchise has taken on the personality of their leader, and they’re ready to take the next step in 2023.
Hendon Hooker may do no more than watch this season, but he’ll be ready in the future when his number is called, although it remains to be seen when that happens.