What Josh Heupel said about Vols WR Jalin Hyatt declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft
Tennessee Vols superstar wide receiver Jalin Hyatt announced last week that he's entering the 2023 NFL Draft and foregoing his final two seasons of eligibility at UT. Hyatt also announced that he won't be playing in the Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers on December 30. Vols head coach Josh Heupel was asked about Hyatt […]
Tennessee Vols superstar wide receiver Jalin Hyatt announced last week that he's entering the 2023 NFL Draft and foregoing his final two seasons of eligibility at UT.
Hyatt also announced that he won't be playing in the Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers on December 30.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel was asked about Hyatt and his decision this past weekend.
And Heupel made it clear that he supports Hyatt's decision.
"The season that he had, everybody's heard the story," said Heupel on Saturday. "Wanting to be a great player versus working to be a great player. Man, he paid the price and he reaped the rewards. Really proud of him and what he accomplished all year long. It's a great story that will live forever inside of this building for our future players and future teams."
"At the same time, the NFL process for all of our guys, we want guys to have the opportunity to go to that level, to be a high draft pick and maximize their value," added Heupel. "The conversations, we use not just coaches' (evaluations), but resources. You try to get the right information in front of them so that they can make the right decision for them and their family."
"Whether that's Jalin, whether it's Darnell (Wright), all of those guys, you feel like they have the education, they have the information, then you let them make a great decision. Excited for Jalin and his future, know he's going to be a high draft pick. Excited that we had a huge part in his journey. This is going to be his home forever."
Heupel obviously wants the best for his players. And he knows that Hyatt declaring for the draft and skipping the bowl game is what's best for the dynamic wide receiver.
That's the kind of coach that kids want to play for — someone that keeps the players' best interests in mind. And there's no doubt that's the case with Heupel.
Featured image via Jamar Coach/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
