Tim Tebow heaps lofty praise on Hendon Hooker after Heisman Trophy snub

This week, the four Heisman Trophy finalists were announced, and Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker wasn’t one of them. That generated plenty of discussion around college football, and former Heisman winner Tim Tebow had plenty of good things to say about Hooker.

Tebow had some high praise for Hooker on the Top 10 Heisman reveal show on ESPN Thursday night — not just as a football player, but also as a person. He spoke highly of Hooker’s personality and how he overcame adversity to make a national name for himself.

“I’ll tell you what, guys. When you look at Hendon Hooker, it’s hard not to root for him,” Tebow said. “And I’ll tell you what, if I had a son, I would want Hendon Hooker to be his role model, just as someone with such high character, perseverance, faith and determination. That’s why he’s ultimately one of my favorite players because this is someone that has overcome so much, and now he has proven to the world, to himself and all the naysayers that he can do it, and that’s why he’s one of my favorite players. What an incredible young man.”

Hooker had a huge year for Tennessee, throwing for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns before a torn ACL cut his season short. His biggest game of the year came at a perfect time, too. He threw for 385 yards and five touchdowns — all of which went to Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt — as the Volunteers knocked off Alabama at Neyland Stadium.

Although he won’t be in New York for the Heisman ceremony, Hooker is still expected to generate plenty of buzz in NFL Draft circles. ESPN analyst Todd McShay said Hooker likely was going to hear his name called in the second round prior to his injury, but that still could be where a team takes him.

“I still see Hooker as the QB4 in the class,” McShay said. “The 6-foot-4 senior suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in November, and while the injury will certainly impact his draft stock, I don’t think we will see a severe drop.

“Hooker was a Day 2 prospect for me even before the injury, and I still think that’s when he will get drafted — just a little bit later on Friday night than previously thought. Hooker reads the field really well, has a nice smooth delivery and knows how to layer the ball to receivers to set up yards after the catch. He only threw two interceptions this year while piling up 3,135 yards and 27 TD passes.”