247Sports predicts the Tennessee Vols' biggest breakout player in 2022
247Sports predicted each SEC team's breakout player in 2022 this week and they went with junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt for the Tennessee Vols. Here's what 247Sports had to say about Hyatt, a former four-star recruit: The South Carolina native wasn't the featured target most assumed he would be during the 2021 season, but that […]
247Sports predicted each SEC team's breakout player in 2022 this week and they went with junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt for the Tennessee Vols.
Here's what 247Sports had to say about Hyatt, a former four-star recruit:
The South Carolina native wasn't the featured target most assumed he would be during the 2021 season, but that changes this fall when Hyatt assumes the role of field-stretcher with JaVonta Payton and Velus Jones Jr. no longer available within Josh Heupel's explosive offense. Hendon Hooker needs big-play help on the outside and that's what Hyatt can provide. He's a player with enough talent to average 14 yards per catch or so with enough targets down the field in the passing game.
I think Hyatt is the perfect breakout candidate for the Vols in 2022.
Hyatt has put up modest numbers during his first two years on Rocky Top — 41 receptions for 502 yards and four touchdowns — but he's proved he has game-breaking speed that should allow him to shine in Josh Heupel's up-tempo offense.
Hyatt reportedly runs the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds. That's elite speed — even in the SEC.
After playing behind Velus Jones Jr for two years, Hyatt should be polished enough to make a major impact for Tennessee in 2022.
The South Carolina native might have the most upside of any offensive player on the Vols' roster. If he can develop a great connection with quarterback Hendon Hooker, the sky could be the limit for this Tennessee offense thanks to a lethal one-two wide receiver punch of Hyatt and Cedric Tillman.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
