WATCH: Virginia Tech QB Hendon Hooker Shows Special Ability With Three First Quarter Throws Vs. Georgia Tech
There are certain intangibles that every great quarterback possesses. While Hendon Hooker is only preparing for his sixth-career start when the Hokies host Pittsburgh on Saturday, the redshirt Sophomore has already revitalized a struggling offense...and team as a whole.
Be on the lookout for an in-depth piece breaking down the evolution of Hooker as the Virginia Tech signal-caller. After studying film from all of his starts, it's more than apparent Hooker adds several dimensions to Justin Fuente's offense that were missing in the first-half of the season.
For now, though, let's keep things simple.
Hooker only threw a handful of passes in the first quarter of the Hokies' road drubbing over Georgia Tech, but as I noted during the game, there were three that stood out in a major way.
We are watching something special as Hendon Hooker continues to evolve. The poise under pressure, accuracy & decision-making next-level. I highlight my three favorite throws from the opening quarter below and this DOES NOT EVEN FACTOR THE RUNS/TDS! #hokies @HokiesFB pic.twitter.com/j9RxHujPt0
— Sean Labar (@seanlabarpr) November 16, 2019
The first was an absolute dime. It was the kind of pin-point accuracy NFL scouts seek when looking for a quarterback at the next level. Hooker stands firm in the pocket, pump fakes to move the defender and drops a perfect throw where only his receiver can haul it in.
The second may not seem like anything too complex, but pause for a moment. How many quarterbacks would have panicked and taken a sack with pressure all around them? How many inexperienced quarterbacks have you seen miss the simple screen and throw the ball into the dirt? Hooker stays poised, gets the ball out of his hands and lets his back to the rest.
Finally, Hooker delivers a simple intermediate throw, in tight coverage, in the middle of the field. Notice how the ball barely breezes by the hands of the defender and makes it to the pass-catcher. This wasn't one of those "wow that was lucky," moments. Hooker scanned the field, knew he had a tight window and zipped the football where it needed to be.
Impressive to say the least.
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