Iverson Hooks had a long journey to become a full-time player in college football. Now that he's here, Oregon is hoping he follows in the footsteps of a former Oregon wide receiver.
Named after an NBA legend, Oregon wide receiver Iverson Hooks is expected to make a dent for the Ducks this season.
Hooks spent four seasons at UAB before getting an extended opportunity with the Blazers in 2025, where he posted 927 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
The Oregon staff is hoping Hooks can fill a similar role to former Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Johnson was renowned for his exceptional speed and his ability to play in the slot, which is exactly what Ducks coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer want out of Hooks.
"We weren't necessarily looking for somebody that was smaller, right?" Lanning said of Hooks. "We were looking for somebody that had the play skill set that he has, and it's shown up. You know, he's got short-area quickness, burst. Those are things that really paid off for us at that position in the past.”
Given that skillset, Hooks is capable of lining up anywhere on the field. He does thrive more as a slot receiver, but isn’t shy about lining up on the outside either.
Hooks also contributed as a punt returner last season, averaging 11 yards per return on a handful of attempts.
Johnson was frequently used in a similar role, leading the Pac-12 in punt returns in 2023.
The comparisons haven't been lost on Hooks, either.
“I don't let it really put too much pressure on myself because I like being myself," Hooks said of the comparisons to Johnson. "I'm just satisfied and grateful to be able to be in the same conversation as a great receiver like Tez. Both being from Alabama, I just look up to his footsteps and hope that I can carry on in his shoes."
Because of his redshirt seasons, Hooks will have two full seasons of eligibility with the Ducks, giving him plenty of time to make his mark in Eugene.
Perhaps it’s a big pair of shoes to fill, but given his exceptional season at UAB, it’s clear that he can perform at a high level.
The biggest question will be whether Hooks can translate that production against Big Ten defensive backs.
Johnson showed that it could.
Now, Hooks will get his chance to prove he can do the same.
