Josh Heupel effusive with praise for Jalin Hyatt following fast start to the season

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater09/23/22

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Josh Heupel needed someone to step up in the Tennessee wide receiver corps at the start of the season. The offense had the quarterback, the running back room, and at least one true WR1 they could count on. The loss of Velus Jones Jr. to the NFL Draft, though, left a spot open for the Vols to fill. While some thought it would be USC transfer Bru McCoy who’d take over that spot fully, it’s been junior Jalin Hyatt who has dominated for Tennessee on the outside.

Heupel talked about Hyatt’s breakout start after the Volunteer’s 63-6 win over Akron. He said this was all due for Hyatt because of the work he has put in. Heupel says he and the staff completely believe in him as a weapon and mind out on the field.

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“No shortcuts (from Hyatt). A guy that wanted to be great a year ago and then worked to be great this entire offseason. (He’s) confident, he understands,” said Heupel. “I trust him and our coaching staff trusts him. If he’s telling you something that he sees on the field, you can take it to the bank. He understands what we’re doing.”

Over his first two seasons, Hyatt posted 41 catches for 502 yards and four touchdowns. The former four-star is well on his way to surpassing all of those with 17 catches for 244 and touchdowns in his three games in 2022 alone. Hyatt is tied for Tennessee’s lead in receptions and touchdowns while being two yards shy of being their reception yards leader.

Hyatt and Cedric Tillman Jr. have combined to make quite a tandem for Hendon Hooker to throw to. While everyone saw it coming from Tillman Jr., Hyatt’s burst has impressed many to start Tennessee’s season. All Josh Heupel can do is be proud of Hyatt because of the hard work that is and will continue to pay off for him.

“He’s made a bunch of big plays. His best football’s still out there and he’s gonna keep chasing it,” Heupel said. “(I’m) really proud of him with the way he played (against Akron) and the start of the season for him.”

Tennessee’s offense was already explosive and had enough weapons coming into the season. Hyatt’s development has only added yet another layer to that. As if the nation’s current fourth-best offense needed any more juice, they now have it in Hyatt as a spark plug receiver. Florida will be the next team to get a shot at slowing him and Heupel’s offense down when they kick off their Top-20 matchup tomorrow afternoon in Knoxville.