6’0″ 175 pounds; Hometown: Irmo, S.C.
If Tennessee football fans took anything positive away from its loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, it was that freshman wide receiver Jalin Hyatt can be a very special player on Rocky Top. The former four-star recruit caught two passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Hyatt also had a 48-yard reception that would’ve went for his second score of the game but was whistled off as the referee thought he stepped out of bounds. Here’s his 38-yard score in case you missed it.
https://twitter.com/Vol_Sports/status/1320113526514483201
Clocking a verified 4.31 40-yard dash as a high school recruit, Hyatt is one of, if not the fastest player on the team. Given the success of teams like Alabama with speedy receivers last year such as Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, and knowing that Jarret Guarantano is actually quite efficient when throwing downfield, it doesn’t take much to see the Vols should dial up more long balls Hyatt’s way.
While it’s the job of Darnell Wright and the rest of the Vols’ offensive line to provide the quarterback time to throw, Hyatt and UT’s receivers need to create separation from the defensive backs. That’s something they’ve been very good at all season.
A ball-hawking Razorbacks secondary makes Hyatt’s job of getting open that much more significant. If he can be precise with his route running and dependable when the ball is thrown to him it’ll be another great sign for the future of football in Knoxville. Look for Hyatt to begin the second half of his freshman year in style and build upon the success he had against Alabama.