A moment of praise, please, for Hendon Hooker and his Tennessee football career. He is hurt. It is finished.
Indeed, an already bad weekend got worse when doctors confirmed what was feared in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s humiliating 63-38 loss at South Carolina. The star quarterback suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The Gamecocks wrecked a remarkable season and broke some big orange hearts but didn’t do this. There was no hit. Hooker was running an option play when a variation in the turf, perhaps a soft spot, led to an awkward step and a collapse of the leg.
Hooker did not have a great final game. It probably cost him his chance at the Heisman Trophy. For sure it eliminated Tennessee as a contender in the national four-team playoff. The injury will prevent extra preparation for the upcoming NFL draft.
Reserve Joe Milton will take over the Vol offense for the Saturday night game at Vanderbilt. Ironically, Hooker replaced the gimpy Milton as starting quarterback two Septembers ago. Missing receivers was a more serious Milton affliction.
Ironically 2, the two became roommates and best friends.
Hooker, 24, a graduate transfer from Virginia Tech who came in the last days of the Jeremy Pruitt era, achieved spectacular results in Josh Heupel’s up-tempo attack. He made quick (and almost always correct) decisions. He threw footballs accurately and to people in his color shirts. He was a very good runner, maybe the best on the team, but was used sparingly because of the risk of injury.
He became a genuine team leader and an inspiration.
Center Cooper Mays was first to call for help when Hooper went down. He was screaming in pain. This was very unlike Hendon and Mays seemed to immediately grasp the seriousness of the situation. Others were deeply affected.
“It was one of the worst things I’ve seen out there,” veteran guard Jerome Carvin said. “Just to know how hard he works, probably the hardest-working guy I’ve seen. It’s so unfortunate to happen to a guy like that. But if I know anything, I know he’ll bounce back. Man, he’s a warrior.”
Carvin said, “I love that guy.”
Multi-talented Princeton Fant said, “We were all concerned. That’s our brother. That’s somebody that we all believe in. We’re praying for him.”
Hooker is leaving some magic memories. A year ago, he threw for 2,945 yards and 31 touchdowns and lost but three interceptions. He also rushed for nine touchdowns.
In nine victories and two setbacks this season, he has thrown for 3,135 yards and 27 TDs against two interceptions.
Heupel said a little earlier that Hooker was playing as efficiently as any quarterback he’d ever been around.
“It’s fun to watch, how everyone else rallies around him, the command he has out there … Sometimes he makes it look easy, but it’s his attention to detail, his work ethic and competitive spirit that make him so special. He’s somebody they’re going to remember around here for a long time.”
The outpouring of respect from rival coaches, players and fans has been intriguing.
“Hendon and the Hooker family appreciate all of your prayers and support,” Tennessee said in a post on Twitter. “Hendon’s incredible journey has been defined by faith, perseverance and strength. Obstacles have never stood in the way on his path to greatness.
“Forever a Tennessee legend and the ultimate teammate, we know Hendo will come back stronger than ever … Thank you, Hendo.”
Highlights? There were a few.
Hooker found Cedric Tillman open in the end zone for a 28-yard touchdown in overtime and the Volunteers took down Pitt in the Johnny Majors Classic.
Hooker threw for 348 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 112 and a score in a 38-33 victory over Florida. It was Tennessee’s second win over the Gators in the last 18 meetings and snapped a six-game losing streak in the series
Hooker was named the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week.
Hooker had a Heisman look as the Volunteers ended Alabama’s 15-year monopoly – 21 of 30 passes, 385 yards, five TDs to Jalin Hyatt.
The Tide missed its field goal with 15 seconds remaining. Tennessee, at the wrong end of the field, could have played for overtime. It went for the win.
Hooker threw to Ramel Keyton for 18. Bru McCoy made a big-boy catch for 27. Chase McGrath kicked the winning three-pointer as time ran out. Fans, mostly students, streamed onto Shields-Watkins Field. UT officials agreed the celebration was worth the SEC fine – $100,000.
It solicited donations to pay for new goal posts.
After the romp over Missouri in his final appearance at Neyland Stadium, Hooker did what legendary quarterbacks do in Knoxville – he led the Pride of the Southland band. He went up the ladder, awaited his cue and actually looked like he belonged.
“That’s always kind of been a dream for me,” he said. “Coming here and seeing Peyton stand up there and conduct the band, I always thought that was the coolest thing ever, strike up the band.”
Marvin West welcomes reader comments or questions. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com.
