NFL will see ‘a much better version’ of Hooker, QB states
4:56 PM ET Pete ThamelESPN MOBILE, Ala.– Former Tennessee star quarterback Hendon Hooker
is on track to be healthy in time for
his opening NFL training camp this summer season, he informed ESPN on Tuesday.At the Elder Bowl, Hooker flashed the familiar halogen grin that accompanied his increase to stardom at Tennessee the previous 2 seasons. He informed ESPN he has started working out after Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache fixed the torn ACL in his left knee on Dec. 13.”It will be a much better version of Hendon Hooker, the very best we have actually seen yet,”he said when asked what he’ll appear like upon his
return.Hooker will not take part in the Senior citizen Bowl game on Saturday, but he accepted an invite here to consult with NFL teams and further familiar himself with NFL offenses. He’s possibly the most interesting player here today, as he surged into becoming a leading Heisman Trophy prospect and a potential high-round draft choice with his dominant play for the Vols this season. That searing streak to fame ended all of a sudden with a torn ACL on Nov. 20 versus South Carolina.”There were a great deal of feelings, missing out on the game and missing being around my colleagues,” he stated. “There’s been a lot of jokes and laughter and likewise returning and viewing tape and tearing up. “Editor’s Picks 2 Related Hooker threw for 58 touchdowns and 5 interceptions the previous two seasons at Tennessee and led the Vols to a No. 2 ranking in the Associated Press poll
, the greatest they have actually been ranked because 2001. Hooker said that he has actually met with close to 20 teams, joking that there’s many to count. He stated he’s had a couple of “double conferences” with groups however decreased to call the teams. He let them understand that he’ll be prepared for camp this summer and is planning to be ready for full contact by the start of the preseason.Hooker will not run at Tennessee’s Pro Day on March 30, however he plans to heat up and”stride it out “to demonstrate how well he’s moving.”I feel fantastic,”Hooker stated.” I’m walking around. I’m excited to return to my regular self. My cerebral side has raised to a whole other level. I’m continuing to construct that and my management abilities and interaction skills. I’ll have that chip on my shoulder whenever I get back.
“Hooker has actually been working out and rehabbing in California. He said after the surgical treatment, there was a change procedure of learning to stroll on crutches, shower and sleep sitting up because of the injury.He made a point to thank his sister, Nile, for vacating to California with him and help him browse his resurgence. His on-field quarterback training has been done by Steve Calhoun and Jordan Palmer, as he said that tossing while sitting permits him to both try out various arm angles and simulate deep balls.
He’s exercising with fellow college quarterbacks Max Duggan (TCU ), Clayton Tune (Houston ), Will Levis( Kentucky )and Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA).”I’m doing truly well, putting 100 percent weight on it, “Hooker stated.”I have the ability to do exercises without my brace. I’ll toss sitting down some. Nothing too insane on my knee where I’m twisting and turning on it, simply taking it slow and all the preventative measures.” Hooker said that while out in California in December, he would awaken at 4 a.m. for the Vols’7 a.m. Zoom conferences at the Orange Bowl. He said he wished to comprehend the strategy to assist Joe Milton, the Tennessee backup, and” be transparent”when they were talking about the game.When teams have actually asked Hooker what sort of player they are getting, he has responded by doing this: “I wish to be clever and learn and wish to come in
and be incredibly competitive. A vibrant guy who is hungry for improvement of himself on and off the field. A vibrant man in the pocket and an excellent deep-ball thrower and an accurate thrower. And an athletic player. A competitor.”