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Under the Radar, Over the Plate: Freshman LHP Walker Hooks is off to a dominant start

Ben Garrettby: Ben Garrett02/23/25SpiritBen
Screen Shot 2025-02-22 at 9.26.45 PM
Ole Miss freshman LHP Walker Hooks (Photo credit: Walker Hooks/Instagram)

Freshman left-hander Walker Hooks is off to a hot start as an Ole Miss Rebel. 

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Hooks was brought in as part of the 2024 recruiting class, which was ranked No. 4 nationally by Perfect Game. He led Brandon (Mississippi) to a 7A state title as a high school senior. 

However, unlike Cade Townsend, Owen Paino and Hayden Federico, he wasn’t a Perfect Game Top 200 prospect. 

But he’s sure pitching like it. 

“It’s been a lot of fun to get out there and play every day,” Hooks said. “I’m trying to not let it overtake me and just breath relaxed on the mound. I feel relaxed. The moment has not been too big for me so far.”

Hooks has already appeared in three of six games for Ole Miss (4-1) out of the bullpen. He’s given up no runs and just one hit over 4.2 combined innings.

“Statistically he may have been our best pitcher in the fall,” Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco said. “He falls under the radar a bit because he’s not the 95 miles-per-hour guy. He mixes four pitches and is a strike-throwing machine. 

“Being left-handed helps. He has a lot of composure and you never know how a freshman will respond against real competition. He makes it looks easy at times.”

Hooks was the last pitcher used in the Rebels’ 9-4, series-clinching win over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday. 

He struck out three of the four batters he faced. 

Hooks could be in for an even more expanded role moving forward, especially if veteran closer Connor Spencer can’t get on track after a bumpy start to the year.

“I’ve been throwing fastball, curveball, slider and changeup and everything has been working well so far,” Hooks said. “I’d like to keep that going. I’m happy with the way I’ve been throwing strikes with all my pitches thus far. I like my role in relief. As a freshman, that’s all I can ask for. Coach Joel Mangrum has really helped me a lot. He’s been great.”

Check out the latest impressive outing from Hooks in the included highlights from Saturday, as provided by Ole Miss Athletics.

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