Virginia Tech transfer has the sixth-ranked Volunteers 5-0 for the first time since 2016 entering Saturday's game against the No. 3 Crimson Tide.
Hooker finished the season with 1,555 yards and 13 touchdowns on 99-for-162 passing with two interceptions. He initially seized control of the starting job the next season despite the arrival of Braxton Burmeister, a transfer from Oregon.
On the sideline, Hooker appeared to be in distress, his teeth chattering and hands going numb from a lack of circulation. Before the season, Hooker dealt with what was thought to have been a heart issue. A procedure later revealed the organ to be healthy, but Hooker and his father cited medication that remained in his system as the cause of the episode months later.During a postgame news conference, Fuente indicated Hooker simply was cold.