Jalin Hyatt describes how he grew into more of a leader in Tennessee's receiver room

Jalin Hyatt was one of the key cogs in the immense success Tennessee enjoyed on offense this season, catching a bevy of touchdowns passes and rack up the yards. His efforts earned him the nod to win the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the best wide receiver in college football.

But the most lasting impact Hyatt might have this season is on the Volunteer wide receivers he leaves behind — he is more than likely headed to the 2023 NFL Draft. Hyatt took on a leadership role this year, and he’s hoping he showed some younger players what happened for Tennessee this year isn’t a blip.

“Coach Pope, throughout this season, he challenged me to be a leader in the room, step up. Be vocal, just as far as vocal leadership,” Hyatt said. “And I wanted to take that role and I did and as far as with that, you know, I’m just trying to get the young guys right, especially with the season this year. Anything can happen.”

The leadership manifested beyond just being vocal. Hyatt would push his younger receivers in practice, showing them the standard that must be met.

It’s a standard that Tennessee met and frankly exceeded in 2022, now a building block for what the future of football can be like on Rocky Top.

“And I stayed hard on them in practice, making sure that they’re going full out as far as whatever period we’re in. And I’m very proud of what they have done so far in being up there and growing up and maturing from freshmen and just seeing how they developed, I can’t wait to see what happens next year with them. And just grateful to be in this position, leadership position, so I can teach the young guys what I know,” Hyatt said.