The Tennessee Vols have a major concern after the 2022 season, but they also have a solid solution
One of the main reasons why the Tennessee Vols' offense has been so explosive this season is the emergence of wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. The former four-star recruit has been a revelation this season as he's quickly established himself as one of the best college football players in the nation. Hyatt, who is a junior, […]
One of the main reasons why the Tennessee Vols' offense has been so explosive this season is the emergence of wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
The former four-star recruit has been a revelation this season as he's quickly established himself as one of the best college football players in the nation.
Hyatt, who is a junior, has 40 receptions for 769 yards and 12 touchdowns through seven games this season. The South Carolina native leads the SEC in receiving yards and he leads the nation in receiving touchdowns.
The downside to Hyatt's insane start to the season is that he's now unlikely to return to Rocky Top for his senior season. Hyatt is already generating first-round buzz as an NFL Draft prospect. He'd be a fool to return to school when he's being projected as a first-rounder.
While Tennessee fans will undoubtedly be happy for Hyatt, they'll certainly miss his presence in 2023 (if he declares for the draft) and the explosiveness he brings to the offense.
Fortunately for the Vols, they have another speedster waiting in the wings for his shot at a featured role in the offense.
True freshman Squirrel White, a former three-star recruit from Alabama, has elite speed. I don't know if it's Hyatt-level speed (he doesn't know either), but White has enough speed to zip past SEC defensive backs.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel praised White before the season for his speed and the way he plays the game. Heupel noted that White is fearless and will "stick his face in any physical situation that he needs to".
White showed off some of that speed by easily blowing by a couple of UT-Martin defenders in Tennessee's win last weekend.
Losing Hyatt — regardless of when it happens — will be tough for the Vols' offense. He's a special player. But Tennessee is fortunate to have a player like White who can step into that role.
The Vols are building depth under Heupel. And this program is really just getting started. The fact that Tennessee is competing for a national championship this season despite the talent and the depth not being ideal is truly unbelievable.
Imagine how good the Vols will be once Heupel settles in and has a few recruiting classes under his belt.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
