Is it Hooker or the "system"?

[lawgator1]

I've had a few back and forths on the board over the last couple of days about whether UT's success is due, entirely or primarily, to Hooker or to "the system" put in place by Huepel & Co. There seem to be two schools of thought: those that want Hooker to win the Heisman say its his mostly if not entirely his ability, while those that hope that this is a long term trend for success for UT over the long haul are hoping its the system and the coaching.

To me it is a bit of both, but I am firmly in the camp that Hooker is a special, once in a blue moon type of talent. I think future teams will get coached differently to match their particular talents. But right now, this season, it is Hooker that gets the credit, imo.

 

[Vol524]

It is both. Hooker does a great job reading his presnap options.

 

[lawgator1]

It is both. Hooker does a great job reading his presnap options.

Plus his threat to run. As I said in another thread, he is very Mahomes-esque.

 

[griffdog14]

Hooker is also nailing the throws. We all remember Milton's use of wide-open receivers.

 

[cncchris33]

It's three things...

1.) Hooker is talented, smart, and values the football
2.) The system works
3.) Heupel, Golesh, and Halzle can flat out coach and develop QB talent

 

['Boro-vol]

Hooker is special…now. Heupel is a QB whisperer, and the system is part of that. He was not special at VT. A combination of a hungry, intelligent QB, a developer of talent, and the offensive scheme has become something to behold.

Hooker May he an extreme example because of his football IQ, but Heupel makes QB’s look good.

 

[loservol]

We all want to see Hooker win the Heisman, but most of us believe the offense will be good again next year. Maybe some early on struggles against bigger teams, but Florida is probably gonna lose again next year to the Vols.

 

[37620VOL]

It really IS both. Pruitt would have completely wasted Hendon. JG may have actually been decent in Heupel's system, but it would not be like this.

 

[Tman44]

CJH schemes to allow wide receivers free releases from the line of scrimmage. The play calling is phenomenal. The run game is getting better every game. You still must put the ball where it needs to be. You must have a total understanding and control of the offense. You must make the correct analysis of the defense before every play. This is a great QB that plays for great coaches. Win, Win.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

It is obvious Hendon is benefiting from great coaching however his accuracy is what sets him apart. System QB or not he will be on an NFL team next year.

 

[Volador]

​

 

[VFFL@THE BEACH]

I've had a few back and forths on the board over the last couple of days about whether UT's success is due, entirely or primarily, to Hooker or to "the system" put in place by Huepel & Co. There seem to be two schools of thought: those that want Hooker to win the Heisman say its his mostly if not entirely his ability, while those that hope that this is a long term trend for success for UT over the long haul are hoping its the system and the coaching.

To me it is a bit of both, but I am firmly in the camp that Hooker is a special, once in a blue moon type of talent. I think future teams will get coached differently to match their particular talents. But right now, this season, it is Hooker that gets the credit, imo.

I have been thinking about the same stuff but I disagree a little bit. I have to put this caveat out there first, I want HH to lead us to a National Championship and win the Heisman. I love the guy, seems like a great person, smart and a leader.

However, I lean a little more to the system than the QB. I think a great QB makes this system even better but the system itself is pretty damn good. If you are even serviceable in this system then you must be able make decisions and be somewhat of running threat. With a lesser QB we would still be successful but Hooker just gives us a little more edge. If you have a bad QB then this system would be horrible, to the point that you would have to completely change it. So yeah back and forth but I lean a little more toward the system.

 

[OrangeTsar]

Yes

 

[Lawrence Wright]

It’s both.

He’s the perfect QB for that system.

 

[Gandalf]

I've had a few back and forths on the board over the last couple of days about whether UT's success is due, entirely or primarily, to Hooker or to "the system" put in place by Huepel & Co. There seem to be two schools of thought: those that want Hooker to win the Heisman say its his mostly if not entirely his ability, while those that hope that this is a long term trend for success for UT over the long haul are hoping its the system and the coaching.

To me it is a bit of both, but I am firmly in the camp that Hooker is a special, once in a blue moon type of talent. I think future teams will get coached differently to match their particular talents. But right now, this season, it is Hooker that gets the credit, imo.

Hooker is certainly a special talent - but only IMO because Heupel has coached him to become his best, which he was not at VT. The rest is absolutely the system because it puts so much pressure on opposing teams. Now would/could CJH run the same system without the talent for it? I think so to a degree because last year we tried but were not prepared. This year, players are much more comfortable with the system which is critical because it is so so so fast, it keeps other teams off balance. To do that, however, YOUR TEAM has to be absolutely dialed in to what you are doing.

To me, this indicates that even once Hooker is gone and presumably Milton and then Nico takes their place, we will be running a similar system and are likely to continue to have success at a high level. One because the system is good and two, because CJH is a hell of a QB whisperer. It does help a lot though to have QB who can get mobile if pressured.

Once we get some decent talent in our defensive secondary, the real wailing and gnashing of teeth is going to happen across the SEC

 

[rdk4121]

If it was the system, Milton would still be our starter. This is almost all in Hooker, he routinely makes some of the most impressive throws you'll ever see. He takes care of the ball incredibly well, he uses his legs to escape pressure and make plays. He also just has a really good feel in the pocket overall, and has really good touch on the ball. Certainly scheme helps, without a doubt, but this is Hooker being one of the best 2 or 3 players in college football.

 

[newyorkvol]

I've had a few back and forths on the board over the last couple of days about whether UT's success is due, entirely or primarily, to Hooker or to "the system" put in place by Huepel & Co. There seem to be two schools of thought: those that want Hooker to win the Heisman say its his mostly if not entirely his ability, while those that hope that this is a long term trend for success for UT over the long haul are hoping its the system and the coaching.

To me it is a bit of both, but I am firmly in the camp that Hooker is a special, once in a blue moon type of talent. I think future teams will get coached differently to match their particular talents. But right now, this season, it is Hooker that gets the credit, imo.

Was it Wuerffel/Grossman/Tebow or the system? It’s always a mix. Hooker is really good. But definitely thriving in this system.

 

[DeltaVol05]

You still have to be accurate and make good decisions, see last year Joe Milton. The system sets you up for success but obviously if you can’t do those two things it doesn’t matter. Hooker has the talent to benefit from the system. I expect Milton to be light years better than last year. I think no matter how stacked we are at recruiting in the future, that this year is special because of who is behind center.

 

[GAVol21]

Hooker moving up Heisman odds chart, now at +550. Stroud at +100, after playing no one... I only have one College Football team, but I do pull for whoever is playing AL, FL and The (pause for effect & to show arrogance) Ohio State Suckeyes. When FL & AL play, I pray the earth will open up and consume both teams. Double bonus... Not that I care for the popularity award, but it would be nice for TN and Hooker...

 

[DaddyChad]

It’s both. You get a lot of WRs running wide open. Wide Splits also open up the middle of the field for the run as well if the safeties help the corners. Hooker also has a lot of times where he drops the pass into the bucket and he’s very dangerous with his legs as well. Heupel has perfected the system for his qb.

 

[KINGSVOL]

It's all three!!!
We fans forget the analysts. Someone on the staff analyzed how alaboohoo lines up and switches with stacked receivers using their Saftey and Corner. EVERY Hyatt TD was from stacks! They switched to the Safety and blew past him!
All phases, find thier vulnerability, script plays to take advantage and execute.
Ladies and gentlemen we have the best staff, coaches, and players in America!!!!

(and holy crap, Fant as Fullback! what's next I formation, HELLZ YEAH!)

 

[17Vols]

The answer is, yes

 

[Probably_in_Class]

I've had a few back and forths on the board over the last couple of days about whether UT's success is due, entirely or primarily, to Hooker or to "the system" put in place by Huepel & Co. There seem to be two schools of thought: those that want Hooker to win the Heisman say its his mostly if not entirely his ability, while those that hope that this is a long term trend for success for UT over the long haul are hoping its the system and the coaching.

To me it is a bit of both, but I am firmly in the camp that Hooker is a special, once in a blue moon type of talent. I think future teams will get coached differently to match their particular talents. But right now, this season, it is Hooker that gets the credit, imo.

Hooker is great, but this is a 50/50 split to me. What we're witnessing is an elite offensive system being run by an elite level player. It's a beautiful combination.

 

[jimed1]

Plus his threat to run. As I said in another thread, he is very Mahomes-esque.

You know, a lot of people talk about his running ability but I just don't see it. Can he take of if the play breaks down? Yes. However his ability to make a guy miss is limited. He could never get out of what Bryce Young did Saturday. I just can't be convinced he is a scrambler anywhere near the level of Mahomes, Russel Wilson, Lamar Jackson, etc.
I'll get flamed for this I know, but just watch the guy when he tries to make someone miss. Rarely can he do it.
With that said, he's better than JG was.

 

[VolsnRavens]

Hendon Hooker runs CJH’s offense as it was meant to be run. But we have actually seen CJH outcoach other coaches. He made Brian Kelly look like a middle school coach. It wouldn’t surprise me if CJH spoke to the asst coaches in the headset Saturday and said wanna watch Saban lose it on the sideline? Watch this punt….