Detroit Lions rookie QB Hendon Hooker could start practicing very soon, according to Head Coach Dan Campbell. Hooker has been out since tearing his ACL against South Carolina late last season for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was on his way to possibly winning the Heisman Trophy and being a 1st round draft pick before the injury.
Originally beginning his career at Virginia Tech, Hooker made his way to the University of Tennessee prior to the arrival of Head Coach Josh Heupel in 2021. He entered the season as the team’s backup to Joe Milton, but quickly took over the job when Milton was injured in a game against Pittsburgh. He finished his 1st season on Rocky Top with 2,945 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, and three interceptions to go along with 166 carries for 616 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
Hooker entered the 2022 season as a dark horse for the Heisman Trophy and emerged as a favorite as the season progressed. Hooker threw for 5 touchdowns (all 5 TDs to WR Jalin Hyatt) against rival Alabama, leading the Vols to their first 6-0 start and #1 ranking since 1998. His collegiate career and Heisman Trophy hopes ended when he tore his ACL in the 4th quarter of a loss to South Carolina.