from RockyTopInsider.com and Ric Butler/CLICK HERE…..
On Saturday morning, hours before Tennessee would take the field against the eighteenth ranked Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington, ESPN aired a feature on Vols’ quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Many Tennessee players, including Hooker, spent some time with their families during Tennessee’s open week last weekend. On the Saturday morning before Halloween, Hooker and his father, former North Carolina A&T quarterback Alan Hooker, we’re out in a Greensboro, NC park going through quarterback drills at 7 in the morning. And in this case, certainly, hard work pays off.
(Click Below for the Hooker family video)
Hendon Hooker has rejuvenated the @Vol_Football offense.
Not too long ago, @henhook2 had a medical scare that gave him a new appreciation for the game he loves ?
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— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 6, 2021
One week later, Hooker didn’t just have the best game of his Tennessee season. No, he may very well have had the best football game of his entire career.
In total, while leading Tennessee to a 45-42 win, Hooker was 15-of-20 for 316 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Against Kentucky, Hooker set a new career-high in passing yards (previously 311) and passing touchdowns (previously 3). Additionally, 75 percent completion is the highest percentage of his Tennessee career, with a minimum of 20 pass attempts.
As Hooker’s numbers continue to climb, the Vols’ wide receivers numbers do as well, inevitably. Tennessee wide receivers Velus Jones Jr and JaVonta Payton each had their second-most yards in a game this season, respectively. Jones Jr ended the game with 100 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. Meanwhile, Payton had 78 yards and a touchdown on his two receptions on Saturday night.
Throughout the season, it really has been noticeable to see the bond that has been forming between Hooker and his receivers. Not only that, but the bond that each of them shares with coach Josh Heupel is invaluable as well. For example, in every game this season except for one, Hooker has thrown for more yards than the previous week.
Bowling Green – 5 yards
Pittsburgh – 188
Tennessee Tech – 199
Florida – 221
Missouri – 225
South Carolina – 225
Ole Miss – 233
Alabama – 282
Kentucky – 316
Hooker has been efficient and creative with the ball on several occasions this year. But one of the things that may not be noticed as much is how secure Hooker has been with the football. On the year, Hooker only has two interceptions, compared to his 21 touchdown passes.