Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt reacts to winning 2022 Biletnikoff Award, gives update on future plans

Jalin Hyatt had a huge year for Tennessee this year, and it resulted in an impressive piece of hardware. He became the first Vols receiver to win the Biletnikoff Award, and he shared his reaction with ESPN’s Jen Lada.

The news was announced on the College Football Awards on ESPN Thursday night after Hyatt’s breakout season. He totaled 1,267 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns — five of which came in Tennessee’s victory over Alabama — to help lead the Volunteers offense as Hendon Hooker’s top target.

Now, the question is whether or not Hyatt will enter the 2023 NFL Draft. He said he’s still not sure yet, but confirmed a decision is coming soon.

“It’s still 50-50,” he said. “I’ve still got to talk to my family and my coaches as far as what decision I’m going to make for my future. That’s something that’s still in the air. I’ll have a decision for next week.”

“Obviously, I’m blessed just to be up here. Not only that, just to be here with my team, my coaches, my family. I’m just blessed and grateful for this opportunity.”

It was quite the breakout year for Hyatt, who had a combined 502 yards in his first year on Rocky Top. He credited the coaching staff and his teammates for getting him ready to go week after week while also acknowledging the opportunity he had at Tennessee this year.

“Just coming in the building, working every day … with Coach Pope and Coach Cook,” Hyatt said. “Just trying to get better, personally, just get better and work on my game. Not only that, just working with this offense and being with the coaches and these players and challenging me with the defense. Just as far as opportunity, this is the best spot I could be in. I’m just grateful.”