Giants coach makes strong statement about Jalin Hyatt and transition to NFL from Vols' offense
There will be a lot of eyes in East Tennessee this fall on New York Giants rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, a former Tennessee Vols standout. Tennessee fans want to see Hyatt excel in the NFL for two reasons. 1. Because he's a former Vol and UT fans always passionately support VFLs once they reach the […]
There will be a lot of eyes in East Tennessee this fall on New York Giants rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, a former Tennessee Vols standout.
Tennessee fans want to see Hyatt excel in the NFL for two reasons.
1. Because he's a former Vol and UT fans always passionately support VFLs once they reach the NFL.
2. Because if Hyatt has success in the NFL, it will make recruiting wide receivers much easier for Josh Heupel and his staff.
There's a narrative that's being passed around by the national media and opposing college football fan bases that Heupel's offense doesn't adequately prepare players for the next level. Normally, this is something that Vols fans could ignore. But because the narrative could have a negative impact on recruiting for Tennessee, it's something that's become a bit frustrating for Vols fans (and more importantly, for Hyatt's family).
Giants wide receivers coach Mike Groh made some comments this week, however, that should completely shut down the "Tennessee didn't prepare Jalin Hyatt for the NFL" narrative that's been irresponsibly passed around over the last few months.
"I think if we had major concerns he wouldn't be here," said Groh in response to a question about the pre-draft criticism of Hyatt. "So very pleased with what he's what he's shown us on the field so far."
When asked specifically about Hyatt coming from Tennessee's offense, Groh quickly pointed out that it's an adjustment for every wide receiver that comes to the NFL from college.
Groh also noted that no wide receivers run the same routes in college that they'll be asked to run in the NFL.
"I think it's an adjustment for every wide receiver who's in camp right now who played college football," said Groh. "And I wouldn't minimize that. It's a big step up in competition. It's a big step up in terms of what you're being asked to learn and understand. They're all learning new techniques. Really every receiver in college football, right? None of them run the same route tree that they're going to run in the NFL."
Maybe this will finally put the Hyatt/Tennessee narrative to bed. It's clear that the Giants had no concerns about Hyatt coming from Heupel's up-tempo spread offense. Not only that, but Groh's suggestion that no wide receiver in college football runs an NFL route tree should open the eyes of recruits who are being sold a false bill of goods by college programs who run "Pro Style offenses".
Jalin Hyatt shares his feelings about Neyland Stadium and reveals his favorite end zone to score in at home
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt shared his feelings about Neyland Stadium before heading to the NFL
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
