Read: Jalin Hyatt's thank you to Tennessee fans, coaches, players
Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt on Wednesday declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, announcing his intentions to sit out of the Orange Bowl as he begins to prepare for his professional career.
Hyatt, the first Biletnikoff Award winner at Tennessee, caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and a single-season program record 15 touchdowns during his breakout junior season.
While announcing his plans on Wednesday, he released a statement thank Tennessee fans, coaches, players and his parents:
“Where do I even begin? The past three years have been filled with so many ups and downs and have helped me become the man I am today.
“Together with my brothers and coaches, we built this program back to where it deserves to be — among the best in the country — through hard work and perseverance. It has been such a rewarding experience to be a Tennessee Volunteer, and there are so many who guided me along the way.
“Thank you to our coaching and support staffs, especially Coach Heupel Coach Golesh, Coach Burns and Coach Pope for believing in me the past two years. You gave me the confidence and strength to help me take my game to the next level.
“Thank you to my teammates. The bonds ew built after everything we went through have made this experience so enjoyable. You pushed me to be my best. I love you guys.
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So thankful for my @Vol_Football teammates, coaches and all of Vol Nation. It’s been an amazing ride. After careful consideration, I have decided to begin preparation for the 2023 NFL Draft. #VFL 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Y42GMG0hoY
— Jalin Hyatt (@jalinhyatt) December 14, 2022
“Thank you to Vol Nation. Your loyalty and passion — even during our hardships — never wavered. There is nothing like a Saturday in Neyland and that’s because of you. I am grateful for the interactions we have had.
“To mom, thank you for being my guiding light and guardian angel. You taught me the importance of staying humble, appreciative and understanding that God always has me in his hands. I always look forward to your daily prayer texts each morning. Thank you for always giving me a hard time about my grades or taking my phone when I was distracted. As my track coach, you pushed me to use the gift of speed.
Up Next: No. 6 Tennessee vs. No. 7 Clemson, Orange Bowl, Dec. 30, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
“To dad, this was always the plan right? I’m so thankful for all the early morning and late night workouts. You taught me the importance of doing the 1% extra. You once asked me for forgiveness for times that you never let up on me or only point out the times that I didn’t play well. No forgiveness is needed; I understand it now. You want me to understand that I should always strive for excellence. Those moments helped shape me. I can’t wait until our next game of catch.
“After careful consideration with my family, I have decided to begin preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft. Though I will not be playing in the Orange Bowl, I will be there in Miami to support my teammates like I always have.
“I have tried to the best of my ability to honor those who have come before me and pay it froward for those who will come after. That Volunteer spirit will remain with me forever as I pursue a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.
“Thank you and Go Vols.”
