Vols Land Dual-Threat Quarterback From NCAA Transfer Portal

The Tennessee Vols have landed an experienced ACC quarterback out of the NCAA transfer portal who hopes to take over the position from Jarrett Guarantano, a player with 32-career starts who decided in December to transfer from the school. Hendon Hooker, who played in 21 games at Virginia Tech, announced this week that he will continue his college career at Tennessee.

"Dream chasing is an occupation, those with the job understand the process of manifestation. Committed," Hooker tweeted Thursday.

Hooker, a true dual-threat quarterback, played in eight games for the Hokies in 2020, completing 65% of his passes for 1,339 yards and nine touchdowns. He added 620 yards and nine more touchdowns on the ground.

Hooker, who graduated from Virginia Tech, will be available immediately and has two years of eligibility remaining.

The Vols' quarterback room will also include Harrison Bailey, whose father jumped into the developing coaching drama at Rocky Top by tweeting his son came to play for Jeremy Pruitt "PERIOD." Harrison Bailey, a true freshman, started three games for the Vols in 2020 and figures to be the future of the program. He was 48-of-68 for 578 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Hooker's final appearance for the Hokies was a rough one against Clemson. He fumbled a snap on the opening drive, was replaced and came back in when the backup suffered an injury. He made it two plays before another fumble that was returned for a touchdown. That was the end of his career in Blacksburg.