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Will Anderson evaluates Hendon Hooker heading into Tennessee matchup

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•10/12/22•

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(Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

If you have the mentality of a pass rusher, quarterbacks are not exactly your favorite people. But there can still be a respect when going up against one another. That’s exactly what Alabama‘s Will Anderson has for Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker heading into their Third Saturday in October matchup.

When appearing on The Paul Finebaum Show, Anderson gave his evaluation of Hooker. He was quick to compliment how effective the quarterback can be with his feet. But when it’s time to make a throw downfield and extend a play, Anderson knows Hooker will be able to get there.

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“He’s tall one,” Anderson said. “He can move really well in and out of the pocket. He can extend plays but he also can make throws with his arm. I think that’s one of the best abilities of his game. He can run but also extend plays with his arm as well. I think we’ll have to do a real good job of containing him. They have a lot of good plays, having him run if he needs to run.”

Hooker is near the top in the SEC in a lot of passing categories, including passing yards per attempt. Nobody in the conference is better, with the Tennessee signal caller sitting at 10.2 YPA. He’s averaging over five yards per carry as well with three touchdowns.

Hendon Hooker will be ‘fantastic challenge’ for Will Anderson, Alabama

There’s more to playing quarterback than just having a good arm and using your feet. Anderson said Hooker’s ability to keep the offense running smoothly pops out on tape as well. He even went on to say it’s going to be a “fantastic challenge” for Alabama on Saturday.

“He does a good job of getting his offense going, controlling everything they do, and making sure everybody on the offensive side is straight. He’s a fantastic athlete, it’s going to be a fantastic challenge for us.”

Something will have to give when it comes to the Anderson-Hooker matchup. The Alabama pass rusher will want to be in the backfield all afternoon, making plays. Hooker will be trying his absolute hardest to avoid No. 31 and keep his Tennesse team on track to pull off the upset.