Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt introduced himself to the nation on Saturday in the Vols’ 52-49 win over Alabama. UT fans already knew him well. So did his previous opponents.
No matter how you cut it, Hyatt has become one of the most productive receivers in the country. He has caught 33 passes for 596 yards and 10 touchdowns, which is tops in the SEC. Vanderbilt’s Will Sheppard is second in touchdown receptions with eight touchdown grabs. Ole Miss’ receiver Jonathan Mingo is second in the SEC with 507 yards receiving.
Hyatt’s 99 yards receiving per game leads the nation by a significant margin. Missouri’s Dominic Lovett is averaging 83 yards per game receiving.
Obviously, Hyatt needs someone to throw him the ball. Quarterback Hendon Hooker has done a fine job of that, especially in Tennessee’s biggest games. Hooker is the first Tennessee quarterback to beat four AP Top 25 teams at the time of their meeting since former Vol Tee Martin did so in 1998. That season turned out well. The Vols won a national championship with Martin at the helm.
As for Hooker’s play, he is rated the top quarterback in the SEC with a 187.72 ranking, leading Kentucky’s Will Levis, who has a 173.32 ranking.
