Jalin Hyatt could be gearing up for a breakout season. Speaking to media members after Tennessee’s first scrimmage of the spring, Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel had high praise for Hyatt talking about what he’s seen from the third-year wideout.

“Jalin has made a huge jump,” Heupel told reporters. “Different mindset. Different focus. Because of that, different work habits. Unbelievable offseason, strength and conditioning before we got to competing on the grass.

“He’s continuing to get better, playing in competitive situations. Understanding how to do the things we want to do at the wide receiver position. Playing without the football in his hands. He’s become a much more physical football player since he’s changed his body. And those two things go together, hand-in-hand, gaining confidence. That shows up in the way that he’s played.”

In his UT career, Hyatt has played in 23 games over 2 seasons. He heads into 2022 with 41 receptions for 502 yards and 4 touchdowns. In UT’s bowl game, Hyatt had 3 catches for 35 yards and a TD.

Hyatt and the Vols open the 2022 season at home on Sept. 3 against Ball State.