Hooks appeared in six games during his freshman season at Winthrop, recording three hits and a run scored. He signed with the Eagles out of Palmetto High School, where he was the team Most Valuable Player as a senior. He batted .403 with a .489 on-base percentage, and threw out 40 percent of the runners that attempted to steal. He was ranked among the top 40 catchers in Florida by Perfect Game during his high school career.