What happens now that Tennessee’s star QB Hendon Hooker has torn his ACL?
Though it’s not what he or his team would have wanted, there is no question that this is one quarterback who is going places in the future.
Sometimes, it’s not meant to be and sadly that seems to be the reality now facing Tennessee’s Heisman trophy hopeful after he sustained a season ending injury in what turned out to be a loss for his team.
Tennessee lose Hendon Hooker for rest of season
According to reports, Tennessee’s worst fears have now become reality after it was confirmed that star quarterback Hendon Hooker has torn the ACL in his left knee. Following the team’s loss to South Carolina, the university announced that the injury would in fact bring an end to Hooker’s collegiate career. The signal caller is a six-year senior. Regarding the injury itself, Hooker appeared to go down on his own without any contact during the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s game. The QB could be seen grabbing his knee immediately after falling to the ground. Following several minutes, Hooker limped off the field and then to the locker room, after which he did not return. Ultimately, the Volunteers who are ranked fifth, lost by the surprising score of 63-38
How good was Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker before injury?
To be clear, Hooker was enroute to an All-American season. Starting with their first game, Tennessee would go on to win eight straight games with Hooker at the center and with that claimed the No. 1 spot in the season’s initial College Football Playoff rankings. Among those eight victories, was one particular upset against Alabama which immediately thrust Hooker’s name into the Heisman Trophy conversation. To date the talented QB has thrown for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns with only two interceptions. If that wasn’t enough, he’s also rushed for 430 yards with an additional five TDs.
Interestingly, Hooker actually started the 2021 campaign as Tennessee’s backup following a move from Virginia Tech. It wasn’t long, however, before he established himself as the starter and finally ended the year with 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns and only three interceptions. As a point to note, his ground game was budding from then as well, given that he put 616 yards and five touchdowns on the board.
From an end to a beginning: Hendon Hooker’s future is bright
Though it’s certain that this is not the way Hooker wanted his college career to end, it’s equally assured that once recovered, the NFL will be waiting. This after all is a player who found his groove in Tennessee after being second guessed in Virginia. Indeed, it was Hooker who single handedly breathed new life into a program that had become synonymous with losing. “Forever a Tennessee legend and the ultimate teammate, we know Hendon will come back stronger than ever as he embarks on a promising NFL future,” said a statement from Tennessee football. Promising indeed.