HOUSTON – University of Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker visited the Texans this week at NRG Stadium, according to a league source.
And the Volunteers standout, a Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year and all-conference selection, has upcoming official visits with the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and several others, per a source.
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Hooker, 25, tore his anterior cruciate ligament against South Carolina in his final collegiate game, but has made significant progress in his rehabilitation, has resumed throwing and is expected to make a full recovery for the start of his rookie season.
“It’s going great,” Hooker said at the NFL scouting combine. “I plan to be healthy and 100 percent by camp time. There probably are some things I could so physically for teams, but I don’t want to take a chance. I would rather my knee be 100 percent. I am looking forward to a long career.”
Hooker, a Virginia Tech transfer who grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina, has excellent size at 6-foot-4, 222 pounds.
In his first season at Tennessee, he passed for 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns and three interceptions with 616 rushing yards and five touchdown runs. He led the conference in adjusted passing yards per attempt and passing efficiency rating.
Hooker finished fifth in the Heisman trophy award balloting last season, leading the Vols to a 52-49 win over Alabama as he passed for 385 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.
He passed for 3,127 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions and rushed for 430 yards and five touchdowns.
Hooker has been mentored by Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, receiving advice from him and Eli Manning.
“Anything that I have ever asked him, he has given me a great answer,” Hooker said. “I once asked him and Eli what it takes to make teammates have the same hunger and drive that you do, and they gave me some great answers. I won’t let the secret sauce out, but I applied those and they helped me out this season.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and www.click2houston.com
