Hooker enjoying record setting season

The Iowa Hawkeyes have several commits putting up big numbers this year, but none in as many different ways as the versatile Amani Hooker. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Minnesota native has scored touchdowns in just about every way possible this season whether it is passing, running, catching, or returning the ball.

In fact, just on defense alone, Hooker has scored five touchdowns with five pick-sixes among his school record 11 interceptions. When asked about his ability to be in the right place at the right time, he is quick to credit the coaching staff at Park Center High School.

"Our coaches do a good job of teaching the responsibilities of your position," said Hooker. "I just have to make plays from there."

On offense, Hooker has moved around this season, starting the year at wide receiver, but later filling in at quarterback when Park Center's starter was out due to injury. During that stretch, all he did was throw for 13 touchdowns in three games.

"I've played QB before and I think it helped me become a better defensive player," Hooker said. "I just tried to use my speed and knowledge of the game to create opportunities for others and myself."

Along with the 13 passing touchdowns, Hooker also has seven rushing touchdowns and seven receiving touchdowns on offense this season. A big key to his success this year, he feels, is the work that he put in during the summer preparing for his senior year.

"I think it was my work in the off-season with Wellefast. It's a training facility owned by Bill Welle, who trains NFL prospects for the combine," said Hooker. "He really prepared me with footwork and strength skills. He helped with my explosiveness and that was a big help in my role this year."

Now in the playoffs, Park Center is relying on Hooker more than ever as he scored six touchdowns in their 48-37 win over Robbinsdale Cooper on Tuesday. That included three receiving touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown.

See highlights from Hooker's six touchdown game on Tuesday below:

That kind of performance has the Iowa coaching staff excited about his future as a playmaking safety in college. With the Hawkeyes on their bye week, Iowa recruiting coordinator Seth Wallace visited Hooker's school on Monday and let him know they like what they have seen this season.

"They love what I've been doing this year and can't wait until I'm down there," Hooker said.

Hooker, who verbally committed to Iowa back in June, has seen a little bit of interest from other schools this fall, but says regardless he is solid with the Hawkeyes.

"Not much," said Hooker. "There have been a few messages from Minnesota, but most schools know I'm sold on Iowa."

Now 8-2 on the year, Park Center has made quite an improvement from their 5-5 record last season, but the competition is about to get a lot tougher in the next round.

"We face undefeated Spring Lake Park on Saturday," Hooker said. "They have good offense, but if we control the run, we can win this game."

Amani Hooker's stats through 10 games:

43/62 passing (69.4%) for 932 yards and 13 touchdowns

44 carries for 393 yards (8.9 ypc) and 7 touchdowns

16 catches for 380 yards (23.8 ypc) and 7 touchdowns

64 tackles, 5 TFL, and 11 interceptions

See Hooker's mid-season highlights in the video below: