Junior defensive back Hamm Hooper
Tiger of the Week: November 7, 2014
Just 36 seconds into last Saturday’s 42-13 DePauw University win over the College of Wooster's Fighting Scots, junior defensive back Hamm Hooper intercepted a pass and took it 27 yards for the game’s opening touchdown. Add to that his four solo tackles that ranked him tied for third on a defense and Hooper is The DePauw’s Tiger of the Week. Hooper has been a key piece for a much improved DePauw defense. Hooper already has three interceptions on the season and is fifth on the team in total tackles. Hooper and the rest of the DePauw defense will have to be on the top of their game as they face a Hiram College team this Saturday that comes in averaging nearly 400 yards of offense per game.
The DePauw (TDP): If I'm correct, it looks like you guys are out of contention for an NCAC title. That being said, how confident are the guys that you can get an open bid?
Hamm Hooper (HH): I'm not sure any of us know how the open bid process works, but I think with two losses the odds of making it are pretty slim. We've moved past that though and are just focusing on finishing out our season in the best possible way we can by winning these final two games.
TDP: With two games left to play, the defense already has forced the same amount of turnovers they did all of last year and you guys have shaved 10 points off your average points allowed. What has contributed to that dramatic shift?
HH: I think the defense is more comfortable with Coach Hood's defensive scheme, which has allowed us to play much faster than last year. Also, I think the Wittenberg game early in the year gave us a lot of confidence because while the score might not show it, the defense actually played pretty well, and a lot of their points were a result of turnovers. Competing with the best team in our conference from last year gave us a boost of confidence, and we've been able to build off that each week.
TDP: How does the coaching staff keep you guys focused on Hiram with the bell game looming just a week away?
HH: Each week, our coaches tell us that the upcoming game is the biggest game of the season because it's the next one, and nothing is different this week. Honestly, I don't think anybody inside the football program is looking ahead to next week. We've had two really good complete games since we lost to Ohio Wesleyan, and we're just excited to get another chance to keep this momentum and confidence rolling on Saturday.
TDP: As a defensive back, have you noticed referees calling more borderline pass interference calls with the tighter rules on contact against wide receivers?
HH: I think the secondary has only had one pass interference call all year and that was a suspect call against Paul [Simon] against Wittenberg. I've noticed that our offense is able draw more pass interference calls, but I'm not sure if the refs are calling it stricter this year.