What Hendon Hooker Told ESPN At The Reese's Senior Bowl

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker attended the Reese's Senior Bowl this week and spoke with ESPN about his journey following Rocky Top.

The Reese's Senior Bowl allows NFL franchises to get up close with prospects. However, it complicates the process when you are injured and can't participate in on-field drills.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is in that predicament this week. He posted historic numbers during his time on Rocky Top, yet isn't seeing his name in mock drafts.

Hooker isn't letting that affect him. He told NFL Network that he believes he is "the best player in the draft" and expects to be running by the end of March. He also explained that he should be ready for training camp.

Story from Senior Bowl on former Tennessee star Hendon Hooker. NFL will see 'a better version' of Hooker. https://t.co/QBLyknkDNh

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 31, 2023

ESPN's Pete Thamel interviewed Hooker at the Reese's Senior Bowl, and Hooker shared similar sentiments. According to Thamel, Hooker is working with Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache to strengthen his ACL.

"It will be a better version of Hendon Hooker, the best we've seen yet." - Hooker to ESPN

While he can't play this week, he remains active and involved. NFL franchises can still speak with him and see the mental side of his game, which is the most critical part of playing quarterback.

"I feel great. I'm moving around. I'm excited to get back to my regular self. My cerebral side has elevated to a whole other level. I'm continuing to build that and my leadership skills and communication skills. I'll have that chip on my shoulder whenever I get back."

Hooker told Thamel he is working out with TCU's Max Duggan, Kentucky's Will Levis, UCLA's Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Houston's Clayton Tune. He said he's enjoyed the work and continues pushing himself daily.

Finally, Hooker pitched NFL franchises on why they should draft him.

"I want to be smart and learn and want to come in and be extremely competitive. A dynamic guy who is hungry for betterment of himself on and off the field. A dynamic guy in the pocket and a good deep-ball thrower and an accurate thrower. And an athletic player. A competitor."

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