Hendon Hooker Progressing Quickly With ACL Rehab

Former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker sustained an ACL injury against South Carolina in November but hopes to be ready for on-field work in a few weeks.

While other prospects are hoping to make headlines with their on-field performance at the Reese's Senior Bowl, quarterback Hendon Hooker has already done that off the field.

Hooker was one of the top signal callers this past season but tore his ACL against South Carolina, ending his season and pre-draft process. He accepted an invitation to the Reese's Senior Bowl but won't be able to do any on-field work for teams.

Nonetheless, he can still show teams why they should draft him in April. Hooker will do board work, interviews with NFL teams, and interact with the media.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero interviewed Hooker at the Senior Bowl. Hooker said he believes he is the "best player in the draft" and hopes to be running by the end of March.

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

He plans to be available for training camp, a big bonus for NFL evaluators. Some assumed his rookie season would be a wash with no time to install the offense, but being available for training camp changes that narrative.

The interview process will be critical for Hooker. He can't make a team fall in love with a workout, so he must make them fall in love with who he is, a more difficult but worthwhile process.

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