Welcome back to the second part of my QB series! This time, we will look at two players; Jaren Hall of BYU and Hendon Hooker from Tennessee. Both signal-callers earned the same overall Coach Crabtree film score of 77/100. However, I anticipate that as both continue to grow in their position, their respective scores will rise.
Why These Two?
The question, of course, is, why are we comparing two QBs that play in different time zones, different conferences, and for schools that traditionally employ different styles of play? For starters, Hall (24) and Hooker (24) will both be considered older prospects as they head into the draft. Secondly, and more importantly, both players can beat you using their arms and legs. Ultimately, though, the “IT” factor connects these players most. Both signal-callers dictate the offense’s tempo and their team, which is evident in the film. There’s much to be fired up about with this pair of dual-threat QBs. Let’s dive in.
Too Much Confidence?
Let’s start with Hall, who brings to the table a wide range of opinions about his draft stock. Because I didn’t have a firm opinion on this guy going in, I loved breaking down his game against Utah. He showed some serious leadership and grit in the 26-17 win. But what jumped out at me was his command of the game. I could feel the Cougar offense cooking through him. However, his lack of fear of attacking any given situation brings a level of confidence to the table that will inherently bring occasional poor habits. Hall can sometimes be caught with lazy feet or playing with overconfidence. It can cause him to overlook fundamentals, producing inaccurate results.
That said, when he’s on, not only does he have an elite-level pocket feel, but his eyes and feet will win a lot of plays. Hall can roll right or left and hit his intended target with an NFL pace. Hall can go 1-2-3 and hit the check-down (though his accuracy is inconsistent here and needs improvement). He can also go 1-2-3 then vertical because he can move around long enough to allow his receiver to find space. I don’t think Hall has NFL-elite arm strength, but I think it’s good enough to succeed at the next level.
Hall can run! Now, he’s not elite as a runner, but he’s more than just good enough. This was showcased against the Utes with his 92 yards on eight carries. However, when it’s time to set his feet and grip and rip, he can do that too, and it looks really good. I like his off-platform throws, but they’re missing the arm strength that would take him to the next tier, grade-wise.
Where Can He Improve?
I didn’t see him using his eyes to manipulate the defense as much as I would have liked. But as I mentioned before, he has that skill when he decides to use it. The other area I’d like to see improve is his overall short game accuracy, although I haven’t figured out exactly what his issue is. It could be any combination of the poor habits I mentioned above or something else entirely. He needs to figure it out in the upcoming season if he wants to be in the top five discussions.
I can see Hall leading an NFL offense for a long time, as he has that franchise QB presence. He is a player that I will be watching closely this season. I believe he’s primed for a big breakout that will land him in the elite QB discussion.
Hendon Hooker: A True Leader?
Moving on to Hooker, let’s see how he stacks up and find out why I think these players are similar.
As soon as you push play on Hooker’s film against South Carolina, you can immediately feel, rather than see, that this offense is built around Hooker and his confidence. I love his quiet feet in the pocket, and he is in no hurry to get the play off. Hendon has a strong arm, especially inside of 15 yards. I would, however, like to see him learn better when to take a little off his throw, substituting touch for power. His quick game is great – he’s very accurate with NFL tempo. I love how his quick throws hit the target on the upfield shoulder, which in today’s play is an extension of the run game.
Hooker’s got legs and is an absolute threat to get upfield and make defenders pay in space. That said, like Hall, he isn’t an elite runner, but he can absolutely be a 10+ yard QB runner in the NFL. I love his RPO, ride fake action from the gun. Hendon is under control and can easily hold the safety with his eyes. He can hit most inside breaking routes, including the vertical bang 8 (skinny, deep post.)
Decision Maker
There were a couple of times during the screen game when the play wasn’t there, and he dirted the ball, which I like. Late in the game, though, the same thing happened on the screen, but this time the running back was covered. Hooker tried to escape the pressure and took a loss. I’m going to be interested to see how he manages the skill of being able to run, with the instinct to know when he should.
Hooker had only one tight window throw against the Gamecocks, but I can see him hitting more in the NFL without a problem. In the mesh game (crossers,) he showed some impatience, which was a departure for him, as in most plays, he had no problem sitting in the pocket and allowing the play to develop.
A particular play that stood out was one in which he had a flash of brilliance followed by a mistake. Hooker felt heavy pressure from his right, which was great, as he reacted and rolled out of it to his left. As he was escaping left, he made a defender miss (also great,) and this was when he should have thrown the ball away. Instead, he tried to turn the corner and get positive yards but took a loss. The next phase of his progression should include understanding the need to throw it away and live for another day.
Splash Zone
Hooker has those NFL splash plays, like when he piped an opposite hash throw on time and on the money. Later in the game, however, he missed the late blitz, and he’ll need to find a way to feel that pressure earlier.
Wrap-Up
To wrap up this breakdown, if Hooker improves his pre-snap reads, the sky’s the absolute limit. Like Hall, he has so many innate qualities you want in a franchise-leading quarterback. As he progresses, Hooker should have a great last season in college. I think Hooker is set up to be a top-five QB in the 2023 rookie class, but where in the top-five is entirely up to him.
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