The first week of Tennessee fall camp is almost in the books. The Vols have an off-day on Friday after practicing each morning from Monday to Thursday and will get back after it on the field this weekend.
On Friday, Tennessee dropped a new video on social media offering a unique look at Vols’ quarterback Hendon Hooker. The video has Hooker mic’d up during camp and shows some insight into what’s happening at camp.
“Alright fellas,” Hooker said while in the quarterback huddle. “Let’s go out here and play confident, make sure our eyes are in the right spot and our checks are right. Have fun, man. Lead the troops. Make sure to be locked in on the signals too when we aren’t in. Here we go.”
It’s impossible not to notice how much fun Hooker is having out on the field. Hooker’s language is loose yet encouraging, his movements are sharp and with purpose, and he looks locked in going through drills on the field.
On Tuesday, Tennessee quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle spoke about how impactful it was for Hendon Hooker to rediscover that sense of enjoyment last year.
”When we first got here, I watched every clip that every quarterback that was on campus had from game film,” Halzle said. “Hendon was clearly very talented. I was excited for the opportunity to work with him. With what everybody said about him, he was a great guy. Starting to work with him when we first got here in February, March and then into spring ball, Hendon was a guy who was way too far in the business model, meaning that nothing was fun. Everything was serious. That wasn’t his best way to play. For some guys it is. It is not for him. We had to spend a long time working on having him really just enjoy the game while working hard. Working hard doesn’t mean serious all of the time, though. He is fun. He is enjoying himself and enjoying his time out on the field. That is what has allowed his talent to now take over again. He’s not tightening himself up with his own mind.”
Check out Hooker’s mic’d up video from Tennessee below. In addition, also check out Rocky Top Insider’s practice highlights from the first four days on the field.
- Monday – Practice Highlights
- Tuesday – Practice Highlights
- Wednesday – Practice Highlights
- Thursday – Practice Highlights
Mic’d up 🎤 with @henhook2#GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/7wowxjslLf
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 5, 2022
