Why Tennessee fans shouldn't be mad at Jalin Hyatt after latest Alabama news
If you take a look around social media, you'll see some Tennessee Vols fans that aren't happy with UT wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. That's because earlier this week Hyatt declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and opted out of the Orange Bowl. Hyatt's decision to opt out of the Orange Bowl was understood by most […]
If you take a look around social media, you'll see some Tennessee Vols fans that aren't happy with UT wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
That's because earlier this week Hyatt declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and opted out of the Orange Bowl.
Hyatt's decision to opt out of the Orange Bowl was understood by most fans at the time.
The reason some fans are upset now is because Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and edge rusher Will Anderson are reportedly expected to play in the Crimson Tide's matchup against Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl.
And there are Tennessee fans who are wondering why Hyatt isn't playing when two Alabama players who are expected to be top-10 draft picks are playing in a non-playoff game.
I think what folks need to understand is that these are two completely different situations.
Anderson and Young could each tear their ACLs in the Sugar Bowl (hopefully that doesn't happen) and they'd still probably be top 20 picks (a la Bama WR Jameson Williams last season). They were projected as top 10 selections before the 2022 season even started. They've essentially built equity with NFL scouts and draft analysts.
Hyatt doesn't have that luxury. His draft stock is high right now, but he's going to be scrutinized a lot during the draft process. NFL front offices are going to question the offense he played in at Tennessee. They're going to question if he's more than just a wide receiver with elite speed.
If Hyatt were to get injured in the Orange Bowl, it would drastically impact his draft stock.
The same isn't true for Anderson and Young.
So while Vols fans are understandably disappointed that they don't get to see Hyatt play one more game in Orange and White, it was the right decision by the South Carolina native.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
