How much do we like Hendon Hooker, you ask? Well, let’s just say this: Hooker’s current odds to win the Heisman Trophy are at +6000. It would be a disservice to not sprinkle at least some action on that.
Hooker has as good of a chance to win this year’s Heisman as any quarterback in the country.
Hooker, to the delight of many cheering fans in Knoxville, made the announcement over the offseason that he would be forgoing the NFL Draft to return to Tennessee for a fifth year of college ball. In many ways, the Greensboro, N.C. native can be described as a redemption story.
Hendon Hooker 75 yard rope for a TD against Florida … 🌽 pic.twitter.com/qfhuMKwZkO
— օ×ѵէ (@OX_VT) September 26, 2021
After getting injured in Blacksburg during the 2021 season, the former Virginia Tech standout decided that he would be transfer to Knoxville, He initially backed up Michigan transfer Joe Milton.
However, after Milton failed as the starter, Hooker took over the reins and did not look back. Hooker won six games as a starter to go along with 2,945 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
Equally as dangerous with his feet, Hooker added 620 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. With Hooker behind center, the Volunteers averaged upwards of 39 points per game. With Hooker now back with a year of SEC ball under his belt, many see the Vols as a dark horse to win the SEC East.