Josh Heupel discusses Jalin Hyatt, Walker Merrill's thoughts on preseason mentality

The Tennessee Volunteers have wrapped up their second scrimmage of their football fall camp. And afterward, head coach Josh Heupel discussed the things he is seen from his team so far. One of the things the Volunteers’ head man has been pleasantly pleased with is the mentality of receivers Jalin Hyatt and Walker Merrill.

“Yeah, that’s the truth, though, right; Jalin’s comment about preseason stuff doesn’t matter,” said Heupel. “Whether that’s rankings or praise of players, whatever, at the end of the day, we all gotta go prove it. And game days are approaching for us; so I like the mentality that he’s going to be purposeful in the way he approaches it, and our team will be too. I really believe that for Walker (too).”

Hyatt came into this offseason with a renewed mindset and drive to give his all in 2022. The junior wide receiver and former four-star recruit of the 2020 class is on a mission to take a major leap in the upcoming season. In order to do so, he is blocking out the outside noise, whether it is good or bad. And right along with him in adopting that mindset has been fellow receiver Merrill.

“Those are two great examples of guys that since we’ve gotten back from our bowl game and really even before that (have been) like, ‘this is where I’m at and this is where I gotta get to; having a plan of how I’m going to do that every single day.’

“Those guys are pros in the way that they’ve approached every day in the building. They’re competitive, understand the plan, have a personal plan of how they want to continue to grow. They’re extra every single day. It showed up in the competitiveness in which they’ve played. And that’s what the ball in their hands, in one-on-ones, with the ball not in their hands and the way that they’re blocking on the perimeter.”

With two of the Volunteers’ top three passing threats from last season, Velus Jones Jr. and JaVonta Payton, now in the NFL, the opportunity for both wideouts to star in the offense this season is there. And with Hyatt and Merrill focused on being the best versions of themselves they can be, Tennessee has the possibility of having the best wide receiver room in the SEC.