Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker Injuries
During the fourth quarter of a lopsided win over South Carolina, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker suffered a significant injury. He had just finished an impressive senior season and was leading the Volunteers in passing and rushing. The injury was not life threatening, but it may have cost the Volunteers the opportunity to win the SEC and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Hooker suffered the injury while running an option play. He went down after planting his left leg on a fake pitch. The injury was not career-ending and he limped off the field with the assistance of his Tennessee staff.
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker Injuries
Hendon Hooker is a bona fide Heisman Trophy candidate. He has passed for 2,945 yards, rushed for 613 yards and five touchdowns, and has demonstrated explosiveness outside the pocket. His stats are impressive, but the injury could hurt his overall stock. Aside from his passing and rushing statistics, Hooker also has two interceptions on his resume.
Hendon Hooker’s injury was the only game-changing play of the night for the Volunteers, and it may have been the worst. After the play, Hooker sat on the field for a few minutes before being carried off with the assistance of his Tennessee staff. The injury was initially classified as a knee injury. However, it was later ruled that the game-changer was an official fumble. The Gamecocks recovered the fumble and scored to take a 56-31 lead. The Gamecocks scored four more times to build a 62-31 lead before Tennessee scored on a pair of touchdowns to ice the game.
The Tennessee Volunteers have one more regular season game left before playing in the SEC Championship game. The Volunteers are in a tough spot, but they could end up with some momentum heading into next season. A win against Vanderbilt would be a huge boost and the team could possibly make a good bowl. The loss against South Carolina may have been the worst thing that could have happened to the Volunteers. Hopefully, Hooker will be able to overcome his setbacks and continue his impressive senior season.
The tidbit that impressed me the most about Hooker’s injury was the way the staff responded to his injury. They were quick to get him to the sideline and treat him. They were also quick to get him the right amount of rest, which is critical when you are dealing with a career-ending injury. Hopefully, he will be able to play at his highest level of ability when he gets the opportunity to do so.
Hendon Hooker is credited with the most touchdowns in the SEC this season, but he’s also credited with the most interceptions. He has also shown a knack for the big play, catching two passes for a touchdown and rushing for another. He is currently leading the SEC in passing and rushing. In addition to his passing and rushing stats, he has also been the best signal-caller in the FBS this season.