Josh Heupel: Hendon Hooker has trust of Tennessee offense

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel let it be known that Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker has the trust of his teammates and the Volunteer offense. Tennessee’s head coach spoke with the media following the Vols 45-20 blowout victory of the South Carolina Gamecocks.

“Hendon’s continuing to grow into us offensively to have complete command of what we’re doing. That’s in the run game, that’s fun, the pass game, it’s understanding protections,” Heupel said.

“You can see that we trust the ball in his hands in certain situations, too, and continues to grow and take great care of the football, has great command and the players have responded to him in a really positive way.”

Simply put, Hooker put on a show today for the Volunteer faithful, completing 17 of his 23 pass attempts for 266 passing yards, while tossing in three touchdown passes and no interceptions. On the ground, the transfer from Virginia Tech had 20 rushes for 66 rushing yards, while running for one touchdown.

Hooker was making some beautiful throws today like the one below to his receiver JaVonta Payton.

Hendon Hooker to Jevonta Payton. Tennessee may be good. pic.twitter.com/HwcwkdLqdE

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) October 9, 2021

Through five games, Hooker ranks fifth in the nation in passing efficiency rating with a rating of 182.46.

So far in his breakout 2021 season for the Vols, he’s completed 61 of his 89 passing attempts for 838 passing yards, while tossing in 10 touchdown passes and just one interception.

His stellar numbers are no surprise to anyone who watched the fleet-footed signal-caller shine at Virginia Tech. The Hokies’ loss was the Volunteers’ gain in the 2021 off-season and he was quietly one of the top transfer prospects in the portal.

The Tennessee offense has put up over 100 points in their last two games, 45 against South Carolina and 62 against Missouri.

Hendon Hooker high school stats

Hooker was rated as a four-star prospect coming out of high school. The 6-4, 218-pound signal-caller had a storied career for Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In his highly decorated career there, he threw for over 6,000 passing yards and 55 touchdowns. On the ground, he showed his dynamic dual-threat ability, rushing for over 2,900 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns. He led Dudley to two state championships. The gifted quarterback was named the 2016 championship game MVP after racking up six touchdowns.

Hooker and the Tennessee Vols are back in action next Saturday against Matt Corral and the Ole Miss Rebels.