If there wasn’t a pecking order amongst Tennessee’s receivers before the season, there seems to be one now.
Start with Cedric Tillman. He’s a given. He’s a second-team preseason All-SEC award recipient. Then – at least before the season – there is a bit of an unknown in the Vols’ receiving crew. Things seem to be shaping up now, starting with Bru McCoy.
“Week one, we got a little taste of it, felt like with the ball in his hands, he is really powerful, really dynamic,” Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh said on Tuesday. “Last week, he showed that he would go track a ball and go get it. He’s practiced that way.”
McCoy, of course, was in the midst of a preseason controversy as he waited to be cleared by the NCAA after transferring from Southern California. He was cleared just six days before Tennessee’s season-opening win against Ball State.
“That kid is a complete, 100-percent worker,” Golesh said. “It’s all about how he comes in. His mindset, his attitude, his effort; he is a worker; and he pulls others with him. He has been an incredible addition for us and I couldn’t be more proud of him.
“For him to really appreciate the opportunity to be here, he’s one of the kids that’s beyond grateful to be here, beyond grateful for this opportunity. He’s having so much fun and we are lucky to have him here.”
Tillman is still the alpha dog among Tennessee’s receivers with 15 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown. McCoy isn’t far behind with seven catches for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Then, there’s Jalin Hyatt, who is sandwiched in the middle. Hyatt has caught 13 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted a whopping 13 times against Pitt. There seems to be some separation growing between Tennessee’s top trio and the rest. Jimmy Holiday is UT’s fourth-leading receiver with four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. That’s a pretty good group for quarterback Hendon Hooker to throw to.
“I think we’re the best receiving corps in the SEC,” Hyatt said. “To do that, we have to keep doing what we are doing and keep making explosive plays. When Hooker throws it up, it’s not a 50-50 ball.
“We have to come down with it every time to be the best receiver corps in the SEC. I feel very comfortable with the guys we have, especially with Hooker being the quarterback. We have to keep going every day.”
Being the best receiving corp in the country is just part of the goal. Being the best offense in the nation is what Tennessee is shooting for.
“That’s every day, every time we come into the facility and every time we meet. That’s the standard,” Hyatt said. “We want to be the best offense in the country, and it starts every day in practice.
“It starts every time we prepare for anybody we’re playing that week. That’s the mindset and standard every day.”
For the record, Tennessee’s offense ranks 14th in the nation with 46.5 point per game so there’s still room for improvement. That ranking may not be as high as Hyatt would like it. However, it’s good enough to be tops in the SEC.
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G00d group of TN WRs looking for greatness!