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Hendon Hooker updates recovery from season-ending knee injury entering pre-draft activities
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Hendon Hooker was a revelation for Tennessee in 2022, guiding the Vols up to a No. 1 ranking in the College Football Playoff top 25 before a loss to Georgia. Even with a loss to the Bulldogs, Hooker was still in the running for the Heisman Trophy and had the Vols on the brink of a potential Playoff appearance.
Unfortunately, Hooker’s season was cut short with a knee injury in the loss to South Carolina. He would miss the last two games of the season and is still rehabbing heading into the pre-draft activities.
On Monday, NFL insider Tom Pelissero shared Hooker’s personal update on his recovery outlook. According to Pelissero, Hooker is off the crutches and indicated he should be back running by the end of March and will be ready for training camp wherever he winds up.
Hooker also reaffirms his belief that he’s the best player available in the 2023 NFL Draft. He will be at the Reese’s Senior Bowl this week to meet and interview with teams even though he is unable to play in the game on Saturday.
Former Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker, who tore his left ACL on Nov. 19, is off crutches and told me he should be running by end of March and ready for training camp. He’s at the @seniorbowl to speak with teams — and says he’s still the best player in the draft. More on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/lYZpB6jbFV
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 30, 2023
Even missing the final two games of the season, Hooker set career-high marks in completion percentage (69.6%) and passing yards (3,135) during 2022. He also finished with 32 total touchdowns and just 2 interceptions.
Best of luck to Hooker throughout the rest of his recovery and heading toward the 2023 NFL Draft.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
