Stetson Bennett, in New York for Saturday’s Heisman Trophy ceremony, recently spoke to Dawgs247 about being compared to Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker.

The decision to not include Hooker as a Heisman Trophy finalist has caused much controversy. Many fans and media members believe that Hooker’s 2022 performance was worthy of being invited to New York. Some have even pointed to Bennett as someone who should not have been selected over Hooker.

Bennett, to his credit, has handled the situation admirably. When asked about Hooker, Bennett said he did not think it was fair to compare the 2 players. Bennett also mentioned that the hate doesn’t get to him.

“I don’t think it’s fair to Hendon. He’s a great player. I don’t think it should be spoke of in that light. I think he should be getting respect for the year that he had and not what could have been but what wasn’t,” Bennett said. “As far as me getting hate for it, it doesn’t bother me really. I didn’t make that call.”

Through 13 games, Bennett has amassed 3,425 passing yards to go with 20 TDs and 6 INTs. Hooker had 3,135 passing yards with 27 TDs and 2 INTs in 11 games before suffering a knee injury.

Max Duggan, CJ Stroud, and Caleb Williams have joined Bennett in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony on Saturday.