Josh Heupel reaffirms his belief in Hendon Hooker as a Heisman finalist

Going into the game at South Carolina, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker was one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. By the time the game was over, Tennessee had been blown out and Hooker had torn his ACL. With that, his chances of winning the Heisman were greatly diminished. Despite that, Josh Heupel still thinks he’s deserving of being a Heisman finalist.

While speaking in the Orange Bowl press conference, Josh Heupel reaffirmed his opinion about Hendon Hooker.

“Unfortunately, he doesn’t have control of that at this point,” Josh Heupel said. “Hendon certainly deserves to be at that ceremony.”

Josh Heupel pointed out that Hendon Hooker has been incredibly important in Tennessee’s growth as a program and that he’s a fantastic talent too. Because of that, Heupel wants Hooker to be recognized.

“He’s certainly one of the best players in college football. The growth of our program has a direct correlation to what he’s done, what he’s invested, and how he’s helped build the culture inside of our locker room. A dynamic playmaker that has played his best in the biggest moments. Fierce competitor that makes a ton of plays and I certainly hope that he has that opportunity.”

The Heisman Ceremony will be on December 10, 2022.

Josh Heupel opens up about Hendon Hooker’s ACL injury

After Hendon Hooker was injured, Josh Heupel opened up about him. He praised Hooker, in particular for how he’s grown as a person.

“Hate it for him. Just how much he’s poured into it and the competitor that he is and how much he’s grown and the opportunity here still on the back end of the season for him,” Josh Heupel said.

“He represents everything good in college football, man. A young man that’s learned how to become a grown man that does it the right way, that cares about his teammates, that’s grown outside of the game, that’s grown inside of the game, that’s put himself in a position to have a great future in the game too, and [I] just hate that we don’t get the chance to go compete with him again and that he doesn’t have that opportunity”]

Heupel on Hooker’s legacy

Whether or not he’s a Heisman finalist, Josh Heupel knows that Hendon Hooker has left his mark on the Tennessee program.

“He comes back this morning and he’s got great energy. Got a huge smile on his face. You can see how he’s gone through his journey and why he’s been able to have success through all the ups and downs,” Josh Heupel said.

“Man, he’s so consistent and very positive. He’s able to flip forward and there’s no doubt he’ll be successful on the back end of this, too.”