Jalin Hyatt explains why he declared for the NFL Draft and the role that NIL played in his decision

Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt appeared on Outkick 360 on Wednesday from radio row at the Super Bowl and he gave a detailed explanation on his decision to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. Hyatt was asked if NIL had any impact on his decision to skip his senior season at Tennessee. The […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt appeared on Outkick 360 on Wednesday from radio row at the Super Bowl and he gave a detailed explanation on his decision to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Hyatt was asked if NIL had any impact on his decision to skip his senior season at Tennessee.

The South Carolina native acknowledged that he had NIL talks about staying at UT, but the pull of the NFL was too attractive to turn down.

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Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) makes a catch and is off to the end zone during Tennessee’s game against Alabama in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022.Kns Ut Bama Football Bp

"For me, my goal is the NFL," said Hyatt. "Even with NIL. Even with a lot of things that can factor into it….for me, I wanted to be in the National Football League. That's my goal. That's my dream."

"We were in the discussions about maybe coming back or leaving," added Hyatt. "For me, I wanted to be in the league. That's always been my goal. Always been my dream. We're here to accomplish that."

It sounds like Tennessee's collectives had some negotiations with Hyatt about coming back for one more season. But ultimately, Hyatt's heart was set on the NFL. It doesn't seem that money was the big motivating factor for Hyatt. Instead, it was the opportunity to achieve his lifelong dream of reaching the NFL.

And after watching teammate Cedric Tillman's draft stock go in the wrong direction this past season — due to the ankle injury he suffered against Akron — it probably made the decision to go to the NFL a little easier for Hyatt.

I don't blame Hyatt one bit. Sure, it would've been fun to see him back in Orange and White next season. But you can never ever fault a kid for following his heart and chasing his dream. It's certainly what I would advise my own kid to do in that same situation.

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

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