Tennessee Football: 3 way-too-early breakout candidates for 2022

1. Jalin Hyatt, WR

In 2020, Tennessee got blown out by Alabama again. This isn’t particularly notable, as it’s happened every year since 2007, and shows no signs of stopping. But, in that game, Jalin Hyatt emerged as an explosive receiver.

Hopes were high for the South Carolina native in 2021. With head coach Josh Heupel’s hyper-speed offense, and with Hyatt’s ability to beat defensive backs, Vol fans thought he’d grow into a major role in the passing game.

Instead, Cedric Tillman and JaVonta Payton took over most of the non-Velus Jones Jr. receiving duties. Not to say that Hyatt wasn’t there, of course. As a change-of-pace slot receiver, he was able to be an effective weapon. It’s just that he wasn’t what people thought he could be.

Payton and Jones are gone though, so Hyatt has a real opportunity. Fans have been raving about his natural talent since his high school days, and want to see that come to fruition.

In 2022, Hyatt must finally take what’s his.