KNOXVILLE — Having just helped tune up the nation’s 13th-ranked defense with a school-record 724 yards of total offense by his team, Hendon Hooker’s first postgame move was reminiscent of the University of Tennessee’s last Heisman Trophy finalist.
Climbing the small ladder in front of the Pride of the Southland band, the senior quarterback raised both arms and deftly led a rousing rendition of “Rocky Top” moments after guiding the Volunteers to a 66-24 statement win over outmanned Missouri at Neyland Stadium.
Whether he becomes the program’s first winner of college football’s most coveted individual award remains to be seen, but as Saturday evening’s temperatures quickly dropped toward freezing, Hooker warmed the hearts of Vol Nation with his best Peyton Manning impression.
With two games remaining in the regular season, against South Carolina and Vanderbilt, Hooker has put his name squarely in the Heisman discussion by passing for 2,888 yards and 24 touchdowns — against just two interceptions — and rushing for 405 rushing yards and five scores.
“Hendon, man, really powerful story,” second-year UT head coach Josh Heupel said. “A young man who transfers in, doesn’t get named the starter right away but continues to pour into his teammates. He becomes the guy, continues to grow, competes every day, shows up to work and becomes a great leader. What a great lesson for everybody inside our locker room.”