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Heisman Trophy watch 2022: Top 5 candidates after Week 4

By Chris Peterson

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of a game between the Tennessee Vols and Florida Gators, in Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Utvsflorida0924 02052Syndication The Knoxville News Sentinel
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of a game between the Tennessee Vols and Florida Gators, in Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.Utvsflorida0924 02052Syndication The Knoxville News Sentinel /
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Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel /

3. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Don’t look now, but Tennessee football seems to be back. After two wins over teams ranked in the top 25 this season (Florida and Pittsburgh) the Vols are back in the top 10 and Josh Heupel looks like the real deal in terms of being the head coach.

Maybe his best move was landing Hendon Hooker in the transfer portal. His success last season was totally overlooked as he threw 31 touchdown passes compared to three interceptions.

This season, it’s been more of the same. Hooker is completing 71.7 percent of his passes and is averaging 10.6 yards per attempt — a full two yards higher than Caleb Williams.

Last weekend, Hooker led Tennessee to a huge win over Florida. He threw for 349 yards and also ran for 112 yards and a touchdown. That was in addition to completing 22-of-28 passes.

Against Pittsburgh, Hooker threw for 325 yards and two scores, while adding 27 yards on the ground in an overtime win. He’s the biggest reason Tennessee is 4-0 and he’s third overall in QBR according to ESPN and has at least 298 yards or more than 300 total in each game.

We’ll see if he can keep it up, but with games looming against Georgia and Alabama, Hooker and the Vols have a huge opportunity in front of them.

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