Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is the Walter Camp FBS Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Vols’, 38-33, win over Florida.
Hooker was phenomenal in the win, accounting for 80% of Tennessee’s offense as the Vols scored in six of nine offensive possessions.
“Hendon played his butt off tonight,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said postgame. “He played at an elite level. Decisive with the football. Accurate with the football— intermediate, short, long— used his legs at the right time. Created big plays there and a tough competitor man. The offense fed off of him all night long.”
The super senior quarterback completed 22-of-28 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns, doing it all without star receiver Cedric Tillman.
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“These guys put in a lot of work,” Hooker said. “The receivers put in a lot of work. The tight ends and running backs and offensive line (do to). One guy doesn’t stop the show. They all have great things they bring to the table and they can compete at a high level and they play with a chip on their shoulder. We have something to prove and we want to prove that every night out.”
Hooker was also dynamic with his legs, tallying 112 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries including a handful of fantastic scrambles.
In what was the biggest stage of his college career, Hooker delivered in a big way. The Vols’ quarterback pushed Tennessee to a win over hated rival Florida, cementing his Volunteer legacy in the process.
“I really didn’t feel any sort of spotlight or stage,” Hooker said. “It’s just us out there playing football like we do every day. Another day in the office and the outcome was how we wanted it to be.”
The Walter Camp Player of the Week awards had a distinct Tennessee feel with MTSU defensive tackle Zaylin Wood earning the defensive award.
