The Path To Success
Hooker’s path to success in college football has been anything but straightforward. Once a mere footnote, the former four-star recruit and sixth-year senior kickstarted his career at Virginia Tech in 2017, where he redshirted before acting as backup in 2018. Finally, in 2019, Hooker emerged as a top-quality starter under head coach Justin Fuente, providing much-needed stability at quarterback.
That season, Hooker proved his worth, completing an impressive 99 of 162 passes for 1,555 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse in 2020, leading to a move to Tennessee in search of a fresh start. In Knoxville, Hooker found more than just a change of scenery – he found a new beginning.
Following his departure from Virginia Tech, the Hokie standout found himself in Tennessee, where he wasted no time in making his presence felt. Competing against some of the best quarterback prospects in the SEC, Throughout the course of the most recent season, Hooker exceeded his previous career highs, achieving a completion percentage of 69.6 while throwing for an impressive 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. His performance was a testament to his talent and potential as a quarterback.
Best Quarterback In The SEC!
In Tennessee’s stunning win over Alabama, Hooker out-dueled Heisman winner Bryce Young in a thrilling victory proving himself as one of the top quarterbacks not just in the SEC, but in all of college football. However, his luck took a turn for the worse when he faced off against Georgia’s formidable defense, causing him to falter. Despite this setback, there were moments when Hooker showcased his exceptional skills on the field. Sadly, his season was cut short after an ACL injury during a game against South Carolina, just two weeks following his defeat against Georgia.
Hendon Hooker Senior Bowl Standout?
In late January, Hendon Hooker was graciously invited to participate in the Senior Bowl. However, due to an injury, the bowl’s usual policy would have denied him the opportunity to participate. On3 Tennessee writer Grant Ramey reported in an early-February article that Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy had made a special exception in Hendon’s case. Nagy emphasized the vital importance of a quarterback’s presence in the meeting room and interview time and spoke highly of Hendon’s reputation as a standout player in college football for the majority of the season
Peyton Manning Approves !
During the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl, Hendon Hooker received commendations from Peyton Manning, a former Tennessee and NFL quarterback. Manning expressed his admiration for the 25-year-old quarterback’s potential in the NFL.
“I think he’ll do well at the next level,” Manning said. “He had an incredible year. Whoever gets him on their roster is going to be lucky.”
Peyton Manning
Meeting With The Raiders…
Senior quarterback Hendon Hooker has met extensively with the Dallas Cowboys and More importantly the Las Vegas Raiders during the pre-NFL draft process, according to a Wednesday tweet from the Draft Network NFL and College Football analyst Ryan Fowler.
As far as I’m concerned, Jimmy Garoppolo‘s arrival in town is of no consequence. What the Las Vegas locker room truly needs is a breath of fresh air, and Hooker might just be the catalyst. While Garoppolo could serve as the team’s quarterback in 2023, it wouldn’t surprise me if Hooker, given time to fully recover, emerged as the go-to guy in 2024. Age is often cited as a concern when discussing the former Tennessee Volunteer, but it’s time to stop speculating and focus on his abilities on the field.
Tale Of The Tape Hookers Scouting Report.
- Blends NFL pocket-passer size with dual-threat athleticism.
- Rhythmic passer who prefers to keep plays on schedule.
- Good operation time with twitchy release in quick game.
- Patient in allowing route combinations to develop.
- Footwork is as dialed in and consistent as you’ll find among this year’s QB prospects.
- Avoids high risk, low yield throws for the most part.
- TD-INT ratio of 58:5 in the last two seasons.
- Sticks with delivery regardless of pressure.
- Feels edges collapsing and climbs pocket to safety.
- Helps identify protection for running backs.
- Above average acceleration for success on called runs or as a scrambler.
“His ability to reach all parts of the field is uncanny, with multiple throws from the far hash into the wide part of the field. … He seems to throw only one speed, ripping the ball on swing or dig routes that favor more of a layered throw. … Hooker is actually better when the windows get tighter, showing improved accuracy and ball placement in the red zone,” Draft Bible added.
Draft Bible
Why The Raider MUST Draft Hooker!
Overall, Hooker has the potential to be a successful quarterback at the next level, but his success will depend on his ability to adapt to a new offensive system and improve his deep ball accuracy. His poise and footwork in the pocket are promising, and his mobility adds an extra dimension to his game. However, his ACL injury adds a level of uncertainty to his draft stock. If he is fully recovered and continues to develop as a passer, he could become an Essential asset for a team in need of a quarterback. Particularly a team like the Las Vegas Raiders.Following the departure of the franchise all time-leading passer Derek Carr and the acquisition of Jimmy Garoppolo.The Raiders have the Quarterback of the present but hooker would represent a potential Superstar Quarterback of the future.McDaniels has always had an affinity for quarterbacks who can deliver with precision in the pocket. However, in Hooker, he’s a rare gem – a dual-threat quarterback who can make game-changing plays from anywhere on the field, all while maintaining impeccable accuracy. there’s simply no denying the sheer talent and Moxy that Hooker brings to the field.
As one commentator puts it, “Hooker’s mentality shines through in every play, as he fearlessly charges towards the end zone, determined to gain every last yard. Some will say Hooker’s age is a negative issue I disagree, I think his maturity and leadership are a huge bonus for the Raiders with the group of established offensive weapons.the Raiders are ready to win immediately. Josh McDaniels values mobility in hooker he will get a superstar-level talent on a rookie deal. He can also assure Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs the organization is doing all it can to make sure they are heading in a winning direction. Hooker’s age isn’t as much if an issue in today’s NFL Quaterbaxk play well into their 40’s.If Hendon Hooker is available late in the First Round or into the second round of the draft I believe the Raiders should move heaven and Earth to acquire Hooker by any means necessary. He is a must in the 2023 draft. Passing on a supreme talent could set this organization back years.
The Raiders can have Hooker sit behind Garoppolo for a season before passing the keys of the franchise.
The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. On March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club’s deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
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sirtinman727
March 28, 2023 at 9:47 am
We may have to take him at 7. A few other teams are showing strong interest in the young man & his skill set.