After weeks of speculation, today’s headlines are true: Jalin Hyatt opts for NFL Draft in 2023.
Jalin Hyatt Opts for NFL Draft
The star Tennessee wide receiver and recent Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt has announced that he will forego his final season of eligibility, opting instead to enter the NFL Draft. Hyatt, who told the media he was “50-50” on whether or not to opt for the draft after winning the Biletnikoff will also sit out from the Orange Bowl on December 30th, along with fellow wide receiver Cedric Tillman. Currently, Hyatt is ESPN’s 44th overall prospect available, their No.7 wide receiver.
Jalin Hyatt had a record-setting season with the Tennessee Vols in 2022. As part of one the top offenses in the country, Hyatt caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. Perhaps more memorable to Vols fans, though, will be his five touchdown performance to defeat the Crimson Tide, snapping Alabama’s 15-year win streak in front of a packed Neyland Stadium.
In a statement on Twitter, Hyatt wrote, “So thankful for my teammates, coaches, and all of Vol Nation. It’s been an amazing ride. After careful consideration, I have decided to being preparation for the 2023 NFL Draft. #VFL.”
Hyatt will be joining fellow receiver Cedric Tillman in opting out of the Orange Bowl and into the NFL Draft. Though both have served as key components of Josh Heupel’s new-and-improved offense on Rocky Top, the Orange Bowl will give fans a glimpse into next season’s opportunities with increased field time for Bru McCoy, Ramel Keyton, Squirrel White, and QB Joe Milton. And, though Hyatt won’t be playing in the Orange Bowl he will be traveling to Miami in support of his teammates as they take on the Clemson Tigers.
After tweeting his decision to declare for the draft, supporters and well wishers turned out in droves to thank him for his contribution to Tennessee football and wish him luck in future endeavors. While it’s hard for any fan base to lose a player of Hyatt’s caliber, the opportunity is certainly well deserved. As they say on Rocky Top, #VFL!
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