Hendon Hooker was a force to be reckoned with at the University of Tennessee, and he could be the next quarterback for the Detroit Lions.

While most draft talk has largely forgotten about Hooker, his performance and character speaks volumes on the player he could become. His 2022 season was electric and drew the attention of the nation. The fact he’s not a top 10 prospect is thievery but, traditionally speaking, the reasons he’s not are somewhat valid. Thankfully a deeper dive into Hooker’s career and life reveal potentially the biggest steal in this years NFL Draft.

Who’s Hendon?

Hailing from “Tournament Town,” a.k.a, Greensboro North Carolina, Hooker was bound to be a star athlete. At Dudley High School he played football and basketball. With his 6’4″ frame Hooker scored 1,000 points in just three years. Fortunately he blossomed on the gridiron with two state championships, two all-state team selections and multiple school records.

Hooker was destined for this opportunity to be drafted into NFL. Hendon’s father, Alan Hooker was a record setting quarterback at North Carolina A&T and is in the programs Hall of Fame. Spirals run through the family’s genes, even down to Hendon’s younger brother Alston, who plays for their fathers alma-mater.

His dedication to the game is obvious. Before becoming a Volunteer, Hooker spent the first three years at Virginia Tech, just a few hours for his hometown. Like most new players, he spent his first season as a redshirt freshman. It wasn’t until 2019 (his sophomore year) that Hooker got his shot to start for the Hokies. He did well leading his team to a bowl game.

After the 2020 season, Hooker decided he needed a change in scenery. Even though he couldn’t physically visit campuses, he chose Tennessee. Ultimately, a good choice.

From Tournament Town to Tennessee

Mentioned before, his dedication to the game is something every NFL team loves and wants on their roster. In 2021 Hooker had an amazing year throwing for 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns, three interceptions and had a 182.0 passer rating. Oh, he can run too. He added 620 yards on the ground with five more touchdowns.

Hooker could’ve entered the draft after his 2021 campaign, but his dedication to the program and his teammates kept him in Knoxville. He sacrificed an early shot to join an NFL roster to make one of the most historic runs in program history. Under his leadership, talent and savviness he lead the Vol’s to an 9-2 record, beat Alabama for the first time since 2006 and took down Florida for only the fourth time in two decades.

Hendon Hooker was the sure-fire leader to win the Heisman and to lead his team to a shot at the National Championship. Unfortunately, those dreams came to a crashing halt. At the beginning of the fourth quarter against South Carolina, Hooker attempted to scramble outside the pocket and crumbled to the turf. He had torn his ACL. That one brief moment ended his season and career at the University of Tennessee. It was devastating to himself, his teammates, his family and  fans but, his contributions didn’t go unnoticed.

One person who took a liking to Hooker was non other than former Volunteer, Payton Manning. According to Hooker, he and Manning would chat regularly about life and football. Hooker was even invited to be a camp counselor at the Manning Passing Academy. He coached younger generations of quarterbacks, while also learning from Payton, Eli and Archie Manning. It’s never a bad thing to learn and communicate with one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all-time.

In 2022 Hooker started 11 games threw for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, two interceptions and a 175.5 passer rating. In national rankings (while missing a game and a quarter) Hooker finished top 10 in completion percentage (69.6%), was top 20 in passing touchdowns, second in passer rating and first in yards per-pass attempt (9.5).

The Noisy Sleeper

Unfortunately for Hendon Hooker, his injury isn’t the only negative factor in his stock. At age 25, Hooker is one of the older prospects in the entire draft. Fortunately, those two things are the only big knocks on him.

The arm talent of Hooker is undeniable, his highlight reel is littered with deep shots and tight spirals. He’s extremely accurate too and can thread the needle in tight coverage and in high pressure moments. If the throw isn’t there, he’s also got great agility on the ground. As soon as Hooker leaves the pocket, he’s a threat on the ground. With his history in basketball, he can maneuver around the field with ease. After the ACL tear he might not be ready to take off like he once did, but that knack will come back in no-time.

The only thing Hooker needs improvement on is moving within the pocket, but it’s not that big of a problem. His decision making is very quick, so his pocket presence didn’t need to be high-level. He likes to get rid of the ball as soon as there’s an option, but he still completes all of his reads when asked to do so.

While his age is a slight, there are noticeable attributes he possesses that many players coming out of college do not yet have. He’s able to throw defensives off by moving his eyes off and on his targets, something that’s essential in the NFL. He also comes in with a level of maturity and humbleness that’s essential at the quarterback position. Hooker is poised, calm, collected and says the right things. He has a strong character and confidence that can lead his team and offense.

The Verdict on “Hendo-Cinco”

While everyone is clamoring over quarterback prospects like, CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, Hendon Hooker has slid through the cracks, at least in the public eye. If not for his injury “Hendo-Cinco” would be right up there in quarterback conversations. Luckily, sports media and fans don’t make draft selections.

Hooker has been mocked all-over the place in the draft. According to PFF, Hooker is the 82nd overall prospect, but since March there has been only one credible/national mock that has him falling out of the first round.

The Detroit Lions have the four picks in the first two rounds of this years draft (6, 18, 48, 55). The sixth overall pick would be too early to select Hooker, so it’d be between 18, 48. At pick 18 Hooker makes sense, if teams have done their homework. Hooker shouldn’t slip out of the first round, but the Lions may be hesitant to select him at 18 if there’s a player that’s higher up on their board. Unfortunately past pick 18, it’d be unlikely that he’d fall to 48.

If Detroit is serious about securing their future through the draft it’d make sense to select a quarterback like Hooker to sit behind Jared Goff for a season or two. If they want Hooker, they’ll most likely trade up or down in the draft to get him.

Finally, how many draft picks can say they wrote a book, The ABC’s of Scripture for Athletes – Hendon and Alston Hooker. Come on, this man is special and would fit with the Lions perfectly.

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For more from the author Noah Wulbrecht, check him out on Twitter here: @NoahWulbrecht

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Featured Photo Credit: © Caitie McMekin / USA TODAY NETWORK

Featured Photo Edit: Noah Wulbrecht / Woodward Sports