Brian Kelly discusses Hendon Hooker’s development, praises Matt House and LSU’s defensive prowess
By Keith Farner
Published:
Brian Kelly has a familiar sight this week in an intriguing game in the SEC, when LSU plays host to Tennessee because Hendon Hooker will be the opposing quarterback.
Kelly shared his expectations for the Tennessee quarterback, and how he’s developed since their last meeting.
“I’ve gone against Hendon Hooker, so I know about him when he was at Virginia Tech. He’s much more mature as a quarterback, particularly in the passing game,” Kelly said on the SEC coaches media teleconference. “In my career, I’ve seen quarterbacks who’ve had the physical stature of a Hendon Hooker. … He can hurt you running the ball. … And he’s got a great arm. … He fits this system really well because he throws it so well.”
While the LSU offense is off to a slow start, the defense is having a great season, and Kelly noted that praise for Matt House, the defensive coordinator, and explained how his career history has helped him.
“He did a great job with Coach Stoops at Kentucky, was outstanding in his stops at Pittsburgh and NC State,” Kelly said. “Obviously did a great job in his stop in the NFL at Kansas City. This is an experienced defensive coordinator. … Matt’s experience being in the SEC understanding the offenses, I don’t think there’s an offense he hasn’t seen before. … He’s got a pretty good system and our system is set up as such to be flexible against all the offenses we run across in the SEC.”
Kelly was also asked about his opinion on future SEC scheduling.
“My desire is I came to the SEC to play SEC games,” Kelly said. “The more SEC games the better for me. … The more we can play SEC-caliber teams, the better for me. Now, that’s not my call. My athletic director makes that call. But that’s my preference.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
