Jalin Hyatt names the best cornerback he faced while at Tennessee and it's not Kelee Ringo
Former Tennessee Vols WR Jalin Hyatt revealed the best cornerback he played against during his time in Knoxville
There weren't many defensive backs who were able to keep up with Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt in 2022.
Hyatt put together one of the best years ever by a Tennessee wide receiver this past season, catching 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The speedy wide receiver didn't have many "mediocre games" in 2022, but one game below Hyatt's high standards was the Vols' surprising loss to South Carolina.
Hyatt caught six passes for 65 yards against the Gamecocks.
Part of the reason for his lackluster (by Hyatt's standards) production in that matchup was the play of South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith, a projected first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hyatt told reporters this week at the combine that Smith was the best cornerback he faced in college.
"I have a lot of respect for Cam Smith," said Hyatt at the combine this week. "I think Cam Smith would probably be my No. 1 for who I faced. A Good dude. You know, when we [are] on the field we butt heads, but it's nothing but respect for him. I really admire his game."
It's interesting that Hyatt mentioned the two players "butting heads" while on the field. Smith made sure to tell reporters after South Carolina's win against Tennessee this past season that there wasn't much trash talk during the game because things were only going one way.
Smith is a year older than Hyatt and he's from Blythewood, SC which is less than 30 minutes away from Hyatt's hometown of Irmo, SC. So I'm sure the two know each other quite well.
With both players likely going in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, there's a good chance that the rivalry between Hyatt and Smith will continue in the NFL.
