Super seniors were the offseason topic du jour, with reporters, analysts, and coaches singing their praises.
The fifth- and sixth-year seniors would provide veteran experience and depth, changing the power structure in conferences throughout the country. Or so everyone predicted.
What about the super freshmen? At Toledo, safety Maxen Hook, who played six games last season and kept his freshman eligibility, has been a windfall for UT’s top-30 defense.
“A young safety who’s playing fantastic for us and is having a great start to his career,” Toledo coach Jason Candle said. “You can kind of project a young player’s career on what they’re able to do on special teams, and he was a big impact for us in the shortened six-game season last year.”
Hook enrolled in January of 2020, and while spring practice was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the New Palestine, Ind., native was still able to acclimate to college life and get a jump start on workouts.
In his first career game, Hook had three tackles in a 38-3 UT win over Bowling Green. In the 2021 season opener against Norfolk State, he blocked a punt and returned another for a touchdown, earning Hook Iron Workers Local Union No. 55 Ironman of the Game honors.
“Oh my gosh, that was amazing,” Hook said. “When I saw that we blocked it, I was like, oh my gosh, I just have to grab this ball and get to the end zone.”
A three-star recruit in high school, Hook was a three-time all-state honoree. As a senior, he helped lead New Palestine to a state championship, recording 90 tackles, four fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. Hook was Indiana’s Defensive Back Mr. Football, and the two-way player caught 23 passes for 447 yards and seven touchdowns.
He had offers from UT, Bowling Green, Miami (Ohio), Ball State, Central Michigan, Air Force, Navy, Cornell of the Ivy League, and FCS powerhouse South Dakota State, ultimately picking Toledo over Miami.
“I really liked the coaches here, and I was really comfortable with my position coach, coach [Ross] Watson,” Hook said.” I really liked how coach Cande led the team. That’s why I wanted to come here.”
Hook isn’t just a special teams ace, as the starting strong safety is the second-leading tackler with 72 total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.
“I just wanted to come and make my way in on special teams and make as big of a difference as I could,” said Hook, who ranks 14th in the Mid-American Conference in tackles.
He’s made enough of an impact to be named to the watch list for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. During a four-game stretch against Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, and Eastern Michigan, Hook had double-digit tackles in each game — 46 total.
“He’s a gritty guy,” Candle said. “He’s tough. He’ll put his face on you, knock you to the turf, pick you back up, and do it again. He’s one of those throwback football players. I really have a great appreciation for his work ethic.
“He’s going to be a future star for us.”
First Published November 16, 2021, 8:31 p.m.
