Tennessee Vols WR Jalin Hyatt gets asked on national television about declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft
Before the start of the 2022 season, no one thought it would be junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt's last season with the Tennessee Vols. Hyatt, however, has become a household name among college football fans. Tennessee has two games left in the regular season and Hyatt has already set the program record for touchdowns in […]
Before the start of the 2022 season, no one thought it would be junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt's last season with the Tennessee Vols.
Hyatt, however, has become a household name among college football fans. Tennessee has two games left in the regular season and Hyatt has already set the program record for touchdowns in a season (15). He also has the third most receiving yards in a season by a Vols wide receiver (he should break that record by the end of the regular season).
Thanks to his emergence as a superstar, Hyatt is being projected as a first or second-round pick in various mock drafts.
Earlier this week, Hyatt joined Rich Eisen on The Rich Eisen Show.
And Eisen asked Hyatt if the game against Missouri was his last at Neyland.
"That's a long process I have to think about," said Hyatt. "You know, talk to my family, talk with the coaches. Coach (Kelsey) Pope, Coach Heup, obviously our offensive coordinator, Coach (Alex) Golesh, just seeing their feedback. And what my family has to say. We'll go from there."
"I'm just worried about our season," added Hyatt. "Worried about where we can go, just worried about getting to that national championship."
It's hard to imagine Hyatt passing up a chance to be a first or second-round draft choice. Returning to Tennessee — even if the NIL money is good — would be a huge risk. The NFL, after all, is the ultimate goal for elite college football players. And Hyatt is extremely close to that goal.
But with that said, I think it has to be pointed out that Hyatt handled that question incredibly well. He recognized the importance of his family and his coaches in that decision before making it clear that his focus right now is on reaching the national championship.
I'd be surprised to see Hyatt back in a Vols uniform next season. And that's a good thing. You want to see players come to Tennessee and accomplish their goals. That's what's most important. And if those goals are being accomplished, the wins will come.
The 2022 season is proof.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
