Hendon Hooker explains what it means to be mentioned in the Heisman Trophy conversation

Hendon Hooker is squarely in the Heisman conversation, but he’s not losing sight of what’s truly important.

It’s all about Tennessee for the quarterback, as he answered when pressed about the race for the trophy over the remainder of the season.

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“I’m very appreciative of that, very blessed to be in that situation, but I wouldn’t be in any of that without my teammates and coaches and support system,” stated Hooker. “Really just concentrating on 1-0 every week. When someone approaches me, I really have the same answer, just win ball games. Any accolade that comes with that is cool.

“Just making sure that we’re winning ball games, and continuing to build a brotherhood here at Tennessee is what I’m focused on.”

Nevertheless, Hooker has more than earned the hype, passing for 2,888 yards and 24 touchdowns to just two interceptions on the season. He’s likely already booked his trip to New York, but how fruitful it becomes remains to be seen.

CJ Stroud discusses his Heisman battle with Hendon Hooker

Continuing, with the final month of the regular season upon us, the race for the Heisman Trophy is coming down to the final stretch. 

Ohio State QB CJ Stroud is one of the players that’s leading the pack for the award but there are several other players on his heels. One of his greatest challengers in that conversation is Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker. However, Stroud isn’t concerned about the competition because of his focus on the Buckeye’s season as well as his respect for Hooker.

On Wednesday, Stroud addressed the Heisman race. He said the award isn’t really on his mind at the moment, as Ohio State is looking towards the teams on their schedule.

“I don’t really look at stuff like that,” said Stroud. “But I think this is a week for us to kind of get our groove back on the ball.”

While everyone is pitting them against one another, Stroud happily admitted that he holds Hooker in high regard. His play and Tennessee have more than earned his admiration even while both players, and maybe even both teams, may be on a collision course for the other.

“I think Hendon is a great quarterback. I’m actually a fan of his,” said Stroud. “Just what he’s been able to do this season and these past couple of years. I think he’s been very consistent. Kudos to him. I think he’s a great QB (on) a great Tennessee team who I think will eventually keep playing good ball.”