Tennessee football: Outlet gets Vols’ top position battle wrong

By returning a lot of talent, Tennessee football doesn’t have as many open position battles as it has in years past. However, key departures at wide receiver, defensive back and on the offensive and defensive lines leave some races opening heading into the year.

One of the high-profile position battles, though, isn’t as in question as many think. In a listing of 11 position battles to watch in the SEC by Riley Gates of 247Sports, UT’s wide receiver race was one of the battles mentioned.

However, the post misreads the scenario. This article mentioned Jalin Hyatt and Jimmy Calloway in the position battle, meaning the slot receiver position would be the one spot for Tennessee football that’s wide open. Here’s what was written.

"Velus Jones was huge for the Volunteers last season in the slot. He totaled 807 yards and seven touchdowns, becoming the second-leading receiver for the Volunteers. Jalin Hyatt — who had 226 yards and two touchdowns last year — has emerged as a popular replacement after adding weight. But Jimmy Calloway and Squirrel White have also put their name into the discussion. Calloway had 84 yards and a touchdown last year."

The issue with this scenario is not that it’s not a position battle. It is. However, it’s one that has been settled a lot more than many of the other position battles on Rocky Top alone. If you pay attention to what Josh Heupel has said, the slot job is Hyatt’s to lose.

Velus Jones Jr.’s graduation and subsequent selection in the NFL Draft is what leaves this spot open. Hyatt, who was a favorite to make an impact last year, has had at least 20 receptions and 200 yards in each of his first two years as a backup receiver.

That combined with his speed is what makes the 6’0″ 180-pound rising junior the clear-cut favorite to start in the slot this year. Heupel specifically mentioned Hyatt multiple times in the spring and once again at SEC Media Days.

Taking all that into account, other position battles at UT are much bigger. Another wide receiver battle itself is bigger, and that’s the No. 2 wideout spot to replace JaVonta Payton. Ramel Keyton, USC Trojans transfer Bru McCoy and a host of freshmen could all be in the running for that.

Right tackle, cornerback and defensive end also all have bigger battles. On paper, the slot receiver spot is a big position battle, but given Hyatt’s potential, Tennessee football is pretty close to solving that one.