The void left by Hendon Hooker at the University of Tennessee is set to be filled by an emerging talent, Joe Milton III. Thanks to his strong arm and quick mobility, Milton’s dual-threat ability has garnered him significant attention on the college football landscape. The former Michigan quarterback, now tasked with leading the Volunteers’ offense, has emerged as a potential Heisman trophy finalist.

Milton had the good fortune of backing up Hooker and expects his former teammate to thrive in the NFL with the Lions.

Milton’s Candid Assessment of Hooker

Joe Milton III appeared on Good Morning Football (GMFB) Tuesday and shared positive words about Hooker. When Peter Schrager, Senior National Writer for FoxSports.com, questioned what Lions fans could expect from Hooker, Milton confidently stated:

A dawg. A dawg, a guy that wants to work. He’s always willing to learn… Just a leader. That guy, he talks at anytime. He’s going to let you know what it is and what it ain’t. That’s just him.

Hooker’s Future with the Detroit Lions: High Expectations and Potential

Hooker was selected by the Detroit Lions as the 68th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6’3″, 220-lb star was an early Heisman Trophy favorite until a torn ACL cut his season short. Yet, his impressive stats earned him the SEC Offensive Player of the Year title. Despite his age being viewed as a drawback by some, his extensive college experience is expected to ease his transition to the NFL game.

Daniel Jeremiah, an analyst for NFL Media, echoed Milton’s praise of Hooker. Jeremiah applauded Hooker as an “ultra-productive QB with size, accuracy, and athleticism,” viewing him as a starting quarterback with the potential to have the most successful career among quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, despite Hooker’s ACL injury and age concerns.

The Lions’ management, spearheaded by GM Brad Holmes, was actively seeking to deepen their quarterback depth behind veteran Jared Goff. Hooker’s collegiate experience, consisting of 49 games and 37 starts in two different offensive systems, positions him well to provide significant depth and leadership to the Lions’ roster.

Hooker’s Confidence in Milton’s Abilities at Tennessee

Prior to joining the Lions, Hendon Hooker shared his high hopes for his former teammate, Milton. Speaking with Paul Finebaum, Hooker stated:

Joe Milton is a pure passer of the football, has a rocket for an arm, can also use his legs in the run game. Can be a field general, can be that leader that you need in the huddle, can generate energy on the field off the bench… he can also put your offense in great position to win ballgames.

Like Hooker in Detroit, the faith in Milton’s potential is palpable throughout Knoxville. His teammates are confident in his leadership, fully trusting his ability to steer the Volunteers towards the coveted national championship. A difficult feat, no doubt, but the consensus is that Milton’s unique skill set could make the dream a reality.

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For more from our Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com