Jalin Hyatt reveals how he consistently gets so wide open
Jalin Hyatt has turned into a star on the high-powered Tennessee offense this season. He spends most of his time behind opposing defenders, and that’s because he’s been nearly impossible to contain all year long.
So far this season, Hyatt has 45 receptions for 907 yards and 14 touchdowns in eight games. He is averaging 20.2 yards per reception, illustrating his big-play ability. After Hyatt caught five passes for 138 yards and two scores in Tennessee’s blowout 44-6 victory over Kentucky on Saturday, he revealed what allowed for yet another big day.
“It’s definitely the game plan, how we’re coming in each week,” Hyatt said when asked how he gets so consistently wide open. “Just seeing what they do on defense, what’s their tendencies. Really, just having [Cedric Tillman] out there was a big presence for them I think. So that’s what I think, for sure.”
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As Hyatt mentioned, Cedric Tillman returned to the field for Tennessee on Saturday. Tillman has been sidelined for multiple weeks with an injury, and that has been a notable absence. On the year, Tillman has 21 receptions for 268 yards and a touchdown in four games. With him on the shelf, Hyatt has been able to step up into the No. 1 receiver role and he has elevated the passing offense in a big way with Hendon Hooker throwing the ball his way quite often.
Hyatt’s emergence for Tennessee has his NFL Draft stock skyrocketing
Hyatt’s strong year has taken off in recent weeks. He had 23 receptions for 325 yards and three touchdowns through four games, but the final four games have been where he’s done most of his damage.
Against LSU, Hyatt had four catches for 63 yards and two scores. He then completely lit up the Alabama secondary, hauling in six receptions for 207 yards and a mind-boggling five touchdowns. Against UT-Martin last week, he had seven receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns. And Hyatt’s dominance continued against Kentucky with his five catches, 138 yards and two scores.
Averaging almost 30 yards per catch over the past three weeks, Hyatt has left no doubt about his ability to make plays down the field.
His strong stretch has opened the eyes of NFL scouts, and his draft stock is on the rise as an intriguing option on offense. After Hyatt’s dominant day against Alabama a couple of weeks ago, ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay said that he is being talked about a lot as a potential Day 2 pick. His play since McShay’s comments has only further solidified that.
The biggest game in recent college football memory is on deck for Tennessee, with the Vols hitting the road for a big-time SEC East matchup against Georgia.