Hendon Hooker says he will be 100% healthy in June

On a recent episode of the Pat McAfee Show, the retired NFL punter had former Tennessee Volunteers star quarterback Hendon Hooker as his guest. This past season, Hooker led Tennessee in arguably the program’s best season since Hall of Famer Peyton Manning called Knoxville his home. The year culminated in a victory over Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Sadly, Hooker could not lead his team to victory over the Tigers as he was on the mend after tearing his ACL against South Carolina.

Before the injury, the Volunteers’ senior quarterback was arguably the front-runner for the Heisman trophy. Since then, Hooker has fallen from the top of a few teams’ draft boards. He has gone from being talked about as a first-round lock to a possible day-two pick. And it is primarily believed to be linked to his injury status. But according to Hooker, teams need not worry about that; he will be ready just in time for the summer training programs.

“Yeah, I’ll be back 100% and better than I’ve ever been here; this summer June July. (I’ll be) ready for camp,” said Hooker during the interview.

With as many teams looking for their next field general this off-season, Hooker’s update could definitely catapult him up draft boards. And given the demand on young talented quarterbacks, ACL injury or not, Hooker could still end up a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Hooker reveals his ideal NFL fit

Former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker didn’t see his season end the way he wanted it to, as injury cut off an otherwise fantastic senior season. But the former Tennessee star has had a chance to think about what an ideal NFL fit for him might be.

He’s got a pretty good answer for it, too.

“Anywhere that has belief in my abilities and belief in me as a person, that I can go out there and lead and continue to learn and soak up information from any and everyone in the building,” Hooker said while appearing on The Pat McAfee Show. “That’s what I aspire to do and that’s what I intend to do when I get drafted to a team.”

Hooker was terrific this season for Tennessee, leading the Volunteers to the brink of a College Football Playoff appearance.

He finished the year 229-of-329 passing for 3,135 yards with 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also added 430 yards rushing and five touchdowns on the ground.

It was enough to help Tennessee to an 11-2 campaign.