Josh Heupel reveals which Tennessee wide receiver has made major offseason jump

Junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has quite the hype surrounding his potential extended role with the Tennessee Volunteers after head coach Josh Heupel revealed the strides he’s already made this offseason. Just through a few weeks of spring camp, Heupel can tell he has something special with the Irmo, South Carolina-native.

“Jalin [Hyatt] has made a huge jump [this offseason]. Different mindset, different focus because of those different work habits. Unbelievable offseason strength conditioning before we got to to competing on the grass,” Heupel said. “He’s continuing to get better, playing in competitive situations, understanding how to do things that we want to do at the wide receiver position — playing without the football in his hands. He’s become a much more physical football player since he’s changed his body and those two things go together hand in hand in gaining confidence and that shows up in the way that he’s played.”

Last season, Hyatt caught 21 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns on the year, ranking fourth on his team. Hyatt is certainly looking toward 2022 as a breakout year. Hyatt is a former four-star recruit, according to the On3 Consensus. He was ranked No. 169 overall in the Class of 2020 and was a top-30 wide receiver in the nation and top-three in the state of South Carolina.

With quarterback Hendon Hooker returning to Knoxville for one more season, Hyatt’s extended role could see him leading the team in receptions and receiving yards when next season is all said and done. Heupel addressed Hyatt’s lack of production midway through last season, noting he’s saving the then-sophomore for when he’s ready.

“Yeah I think he’s got a really high ceiling,” Heupel said of Hyatt. “He’s always had some really good physical attributes and he’s going to continue to gain strength as he goes through our program. He’s got a really bright future, and as much as anything, he’s just matured.

“His approach inside the building, what he’s doing outside of the building, I think that all lends to better practice habits and his care factor continues to grow. His ability to be in the slot right now, and rotate, as been big for us.”

We’ll have to wait and see where Heupel slots Hyatt in his fast-paced offense come the season opener against Ball State on Sept. 3, until then, Hyatt has more time to impress his coaches and players this offseason en route to earning a starting role.