Hendon Hooker explains his reason for returning, reveals NFL Draft grade

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker opted to return to Knoxville for the 2022 season over the weekend. The graduate transfer from Virginia Tech is using his eligibility relief from the NCAA instead of entering the NFL Draft.

Hooker discussed his big decision on Monday.

“Really, just prayer and just talking to my family and coaches as well,” Hooker said regarding his decision-making process. “I’ve gotten a couple of grades back. I’m just trusting the process like I’ve always done.”

The Vols veteran is not in the top-10 for the eligible quarterbacks in this year’s draft, according to analyst Mel Kiper. That evaluation, amongst others, influenced his decision to return.

“They were saying mid-rounds,” Hooker said. “I want to go higher, so coming back was a great choice. I thought about it for a couple of days after I met with coach Heupel. I’m happy with the decision and I’m excited to come back and get it going again.”

Hooker breaks out for Tennessee

After starting the year second on the depth chart behind Joe Milton, Hooker took over in Week 2 when Milton went down with an injury. He never looked back, remaining the starter for the rest of 2021. The quarterback finished the regular season with 2,567 yards passing, 31 total touchdowns, and just three interceptions. He added another 561 yards on the ground.

The Volunteers finished the year 7-5 in coach Josh Heupel’s inaugural season. They earned a trip to the Music City Bowl, where they will face Purdue on Dec. 30.

A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Hooker was the No. 25 quarterback in the 2017 class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He committed to Virginia Tech despite holding offers from powers such as Notre Dame, Clemson, and Oregon. In three seasons with the Hokies, Hooker threw for 2,894 yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

The Volunteers made massive improvements offensively with Hooker at quarterback, finishing ninth in the country in points per game (38.8). They ranked fourth in the SEC in total offense.

Hooker’s top receiver, Cedric Tillman, is also eligible to return in 2022. The two developed quite the connection this season, with Tillman finishing with 57 catches for 931 yards and nine touchdowns.

Thanks to the return of Hendon Hooker, Tennessee is hopeful to build on its success from this year during the 2022 season.

Before then, though, Tennessee will aim for a strong finish to 2021. The kickoff for the Music City Bowl is set for 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 30 in Nashville.

On3’s Chandler Vessel’s contributed to this report.