Why a Tennessee Vols junior WR is going to explode offensively in 2022
Tennessee Vols junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is one of the only players who saw his production decrease under Josh Heupel in 2021. The former four-star recruit caught 20 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman in 2020 under Jeremy Pruitt. This past season, under Heupel, Hyatt caught 21 passes for […]
Tennessee Vols junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is one of the only players who saw his production decrease under Josh Heupel in 2021.
The former four-star recruit caught 20 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman in 2020 under Jeremy Pruitt.
This past season, under Heupel, Hyatt caught 21 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns.
So why didn't Hyatt, a former four-star recruit, improve in 2021? Is he not a good fit in Heupel's offense?
It actually has nothing to do with Heupel. Hyatt's lack of improvement last year is on him. And he'll be the first to tell you that.
Hyatt told reporters on Thursday that he got "complacent" last year. He also admitted that he wasn't locked in due to not always being on the field.
"As a competitor, if you aren't out there with your guys every snap it eats at you," said Hyatt. "I struggled with it last year."
Hyatt is entering this season with a different mindset.
"I looked back on last season on what I did wrong. We got back to the planning board and I've tried to be consistent in being here (in the facility)," explained Hyatt.
The new mindset from Hyatt appears to be working.
Starting quarterback Hendon Hooker has seen something different in Hyatt this spring, telling reporters on Thursday that the wide receiver's physicality is "night and day" from last season.
Hooker also said that Hyatt's game has elevated to another level this spring.
Hyatt has elite speed that could cause nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators. The South Carolina native is essentially a perfect fit in Heupel's offense.
There's no doubt that the opportunity is there for Hyatt to shine, with Velus Jones Jr and Javonte Payton moving on after exhausting their eligibility.
We could see a special season from Hyatt in 2022 thanks to his new and improved mindset.
Tennessee's offense, in general, is going to be hard to stop this season. And I think Hyatt will be a big reason why that will be the case.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
