Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

'It feels like we're back at Tennessee' - Hendon Hooker is happy to be reunited with former Vols teammate in the NFL

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 1:05 PM ET

Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is happy to be reunited with one of his former UT teammates.

Hooker, who is entering his third season with the Detroit Lions, was asked on Tuesday about being reunited with former Vols running back Jabari Small.

Small, who played alongside Hooker for two seasons at Tennessee, was signed by the Lions earlier this month.

Source: The #Lions are adding depth to their backfield, signing RB Jabari Small. The former Vols’ star was with the #Titans last season as a rookie. pic.twitter.com/0fibPp5lIO
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 18, 2025

"It's incredible, it feels like we're back at Tennessee," said Hooker. "Those two years we spent together, we spent a lot of time off the field together as well. So just being back in the backfield, it's still me and him having those same little conversations, like, 'Hey, take this one to the house', or 'I got you on this one, on this play right here'. It's a really special bond that we have."

Small rushed for 2,122 yards and 24 touchdowns during his four seasons at Tennessee (he also had two touchdown receptions). His two most productive seasons at Tennessee came with Hooker under center. In 2021 and 2022, Small rushed for a combined 1,530 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Hooker and Small should both see plenty of action on Thursday night when Detroit opens preseason action against the Los Angeles Chargers in the annual Hall of Fame game.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: