Tennessee Hendon Hooker seemingly puts himself in the record books each and every week. He did so again against UT-Martin as the Vols cruised to a 65-24 win on Saturday.
The game was never in question. However, some significant records were on the line. Hooker was bound to break one record that he’s been drawing closer to for week. Former UT quarterback Heath Shuler held the record for consecutive games, 19, with a touchdown pass. Hooker tied that record last week against Alabama and broke it against the Skyhawks on Saturday.
“Records are meant to be broken and I’m so proud that Hendon Hooker now holds the record,” Shuler told Off The Hook Sports on Saturday. “He has become and incredible leader on and off the field. This is one of many (records) to come this season. Congratulations!”
Shuler said his son, UT quarterback Navy Shuler, has had nothing but positive reviews about Hooker.
“It’s a blessing,” Hooker said. “I haven’t gotten the chance to talk to Heath Shuler yet. I was talking to Navy, his son, yesterday, and he was telling me, ‘Hey, you have to grab a picture with my dad after you break his record.’
“Last week, talking to Heath, he was telling me, ‘Hey, go break that record.’ It’s an honor to get that encouragement from him and to actually go out there and do it.”
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel seemed unaware that the record was about to be broken.
“I saw Heath before the game. If I had known he (Hendon Hooker) was going for the record, I would have given him some grief before the football game,” Heupel said. “Hendon’s consistency and growth from the time that he’s gotten here— and you guys have seen that from the time he’s been able to be the starting quarterback—is a great lesson for everyone to continue to invest. The more you put in, the more you get out of it. He’s playing at an elite level right now. It’s exciting that he’s playing that way, but how he handles himself and the maturity that he has is important for our football team.”
Hooker’s season could end up with a Heisman Trophy. He’s considered one of the top candidates in the nation to win the award. Hooker has completed 137 of 194 passes for 18 touchdowns with just one interception. His quarterback rating is 190.83.
