Oregon’s receiver room already has plenty of names, but Iverson Hooks has brought a different kind of intrigue to Eugene.
The transfer from UAB met the local media on Aug. 3 during Oregon Media Day, and the conversation quickly turned to the obvious comparison hanging over him: Tez Johnson. Hooks is built in a similar mold at 5-10 and 175 pounds, and the Ducks appear to have him lined up for a slot-type role much like the one Johnson filled before becoming an NFL Draft pick.
Hooks didn’t run from it. He said the comparison doesn’t add pressure, and he’s more focused on carving out his own path.
“I don't let it really put too much pressure on myself. I like being myself,” Hooks said about the comparisons.
“I'm just satisfied and grateful to be able to be under the same conversation as a great receiver as Tez. Just both being from Alabama, I just look up to his footsteps, and hopefully I can carry along his shoes.”
There are some real parallels between the two. Johnson came from Troy in Alabama, while Hooks is from Pike Road. Johnson’s two seasons in Eugene produced 20 touchdowns and 2,080 yards on 169 catches, and Hooks can see why Oregon’s usage of Johnson appealed to him.
At the same time, he made it clear he doesn’t view himself as a carbon copy.
“Honestly, I'm different just because like I like to be my own self. We kind of move alike, but different at the same time,” Hooks said.
“We both were very quick left-to-right play. We gave the ability to get open with guys and stuff like that.
So I feel like the comparison, there's nothing I can really take away from it just besides, they want me to be just as explosive as him.”
Hooks also explained how he got his first name. His brother suggested it while the family was in a hospital room, inspired by NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, listed at 6-0 and the league’s shortest MVP winner. Hooks said he’s not much of a basketball fan, but the name has certainly stuck.
Now he’s trying to make his mark in a crowded Oregon receiver group. Evan Stewart is back after drawing high praise around the program this offseason.
Dakorien Moore, the former five-star and No. 1 receiver recruit, has already said he wants to be one of the nation’s best receivers in 2026. Jalen Lott, Gatlin Bair, and returning standout Jeremiah McClellan add even more firepower.
Hooks brings his own résumé, though. Over four years at UAB, he totaled 97 catches for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He said Oregon had long been on his mind, even before the portal opened.
“Oregon's always been a dream school for me being little, and just in that in portal that went so fast, you only had a couple days,” Hooks said. “I just was patient, and then a time came when coach Lanning called me, and then I just didn’t give up that opportunity.”
The move has taken him from Alabama to the Pacific Northwest, and he’s already noticed one of the biggest differences. For Hooks, the adjustment has less to do with football and more to do with the way Oregon shows up around town.
“My biggest adjustment is probably the outside world. I'm just very different from being from Alabama.
Just the community behind the Oregon football,” Hooks added. “No matter where you go, a grocery store, gas station, you're gonna see that they love Oregon here, and that's just a big time.
I'm glad to be a part of that.”
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