Baltimore, Md. – Tennessee redshirt senior quarterback Hendon Hooker was named to the 2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list, as announced by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation on Thursday.
The Golden Arm Award annually recognizes the top senior or upperclassman quarterback set to graduate with their class. The semifinalists, finalists and award recipient are selected by the distinguished Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers and former players. Candidates are chosen based on player performance on-and-off the field.
Hooker enters his first season with the Volunteers after joining the program in the spring as a graduate transfer from Virginia Tech, where he played for four seasons and earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations last year.
During his time with the Hokies, Hooker played in 25 games and made 15 starts, compiling an 8-7 record as a starter. The Greensboro, North Carolina, native completed 197-of-312 passes for 2,894 yards with 22 touchdowns through the air, while rushing for 1,033 yards on 247 carries and 15 touchdowns on the ground during his career in Blacksburg.
Hooker comes from a family pedigree of quarterbacks, as his father, Alan, is enshrined in the North Carolina A&T Hall of Fame after enjoying a stellar playing career with the Aggies. Hooker’s younger brother, Alston, followed in their father’s footsteps and is also playing quarterback at North Carolina A&T. Hooker is currently battling for the starting quarterback job for the Big Orange this season.
The 2021 award winner will be presented the Golden Arm Award trophy by The Johnny Unitas Educational Foundation President, John Unitas, Jr., at the Golden Arm Award banquet and celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.
To view the complete Golden Arm Award press release and watch list, click HERE (PDF).
-UT Athletics
