Josh Heupel on what ceiling can be for receiver Jalin Hyatt in Tennessee offense

The Tennessee offense has grown on a weekly basis, ever since Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker took over at quarterback.

Josh Heupel and the Volunteers rank No. 5 in the SEC in total offense, averaging an impressive 457 yards per game, with 231 of those coming through the air.

On Thursday, Heupel was asked about what the ceiling can be for sophomore wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.

“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.

While Hyatt’s production this season has been limited with just 11 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown, it’s clear the entire offense has continued to grow and progress with Hooker under center.

Mark Stoops talks about preparing for explosive Tennessee offense

Mark Stoops fully understands the Tennessee Volunteers dynamic offense is going to present problems for the Kentucky defense when the two SEC programs battle on Saturday.

In this week’s SEC teleconference, Stoops was asked specifically about planning for Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton.

“Yeah, JaVonta is very dangerous,” Stoops said about the speedy Vols wide receiver.

Payton enters the matchup against the Wildcats with just 12 receptions, but the Volunteers’ wideout has 287 yards and a staggering five touchdowns in those limited attempts.

Mark Stoops says the entire Tennessee offense and wide receiving corps has the ability to change the game in a moment.

“You really look around and you look at Tillman and Hyatt, Jones…heck all of them,” Stoops added. “And you put JaVonta in there with them. They all can hurt you. Their offense obviously puts a lot of stress on you with the level that Hendon is playing and their system puts pressure on you in general.

“Then you add in some difference makers out there at wide receiver and you better be on your toes. That was very evident in the last time they played and in games before that. You better be locked in or they will run right by you in a blink. You gotta be locked in at all times.”

It’s clear Stoops understands the problems the Tennessee offense can create, especially through the passing attack.