Filling the Shoes of Star WR Jalin Hyatt for Tennessee Volunteers

Filling the Shoes of a Star Wide Receiver

As the 2023 college football season approaches, the Tennessee Volunteers will look to fill the large void left by standout wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Hyatt exploded onto the scene for the Vols in 2022, setting school records with 1,267 receiving yards and 15 touchdown catches. His blistering speed and keen route running made him a constant deep ball threat that kept opposing defenses on their heels.

Hyatt delivered several unforgettable performances last season, none more so than his 5 touchdown effort against Alabama in a statement win for Tennessee. He opted to forego his senior season and declared early for the 2023 NFL Draft after this breakout campaign. So the question lingers - who will fill Hyatt's big shoes at wide receiver for the Vols?

Squirrel White an Intriguing Candidate

An early candidate to take over that WR1 role is sophomore Squirrel White. Although not highly recruited out of high school, White displayed plenty of potential in his freshman season. He finished 2022 with 26 catches for 492 yards and 5 scores as Tennessee's fourth receiving option behind Hyatt and veterans Cedric Tillman and Bru McCoy.

While White lacks Hyatt's elite speed and size, he has a similar quickness and burst out of cuts that allows him to separate from defenders. And at 5'10" and 185 pounds, what White may lack in stature he makes up for in toughness. He has demonstrated a willingness to make difficult catches in traffic despite heavy contact.

Stepping Up as the Leading Receiver

For White to truly fill Hyatt's shoes, he'll need to take the next step as a route runner and gain the trust of quarterback Joe Milton as the top target. That means expanding his skill set beyond mostly short and intermediate routes into more deep patterns downfield.

As Tennessee's most proven wideout returning in 2023, White will also be thrust into a leadership role within the offense. He'll be asked to set the example for the younger receivers and bring consistent energy and effort each practice and game. This vocal leadership was a trademark of Hyatt that White will now need to replicate.

Coaching Staff Has Confidence

Vols head coach Josh Heupel has expressed confidence that White's development will continue on an upward trajectory. He and his staff have spoken highly of White's work ethic, competitive drive, and continual progress. Heupel recently stated, “I expect Squirrel White to take the next step and become an elite wide receiver, not just in this league but in the country.” High praise that sets the expectation bar high for White's sophomore campaign.

Fierce Position Battle Expected

While White is the current frontrunner to take over WR1 duties, Tennessee has recruited the position well and has plenty of young talent pushing for playing time. Receivers coach Kelsey Pope has said that all spots are open for competition during spring and fall camp.

Transfers Bring Power 5 Experience

The Vols brought in a pair of Power 5 transfers in Isaiah Epps (USC) and Andison Coby (Ole Miss) who expect to play key roles right away. Epps has an advanced physical build at 6'5" and 205 pounds, while Coby flashed explosiveness for the Rebels at times last season. Both players hope their previous high-major experience translates into increased production at Tennessee.

4-Star Freshmen Join the Fray

Tennessee also welcomes two highly-touted freshman receivers from a 2023 class that ranked as high as No. 4 nationally. Cameron Miller and Nate Spillman were both ranked among the top 100 overall prospects in the country according to multiple recruiting services.

Miller has an ideal blend of size and speed capable of terrorizing defenses, while Spillman simply knows how to get open and make plays. Both players expect to compete for snaps immediately rather than redshirt their first seasons.

The Final Verdict on Filling Hyatt's Shoes

Replacing one of the most explosive wideouts in school history like Jalin Hyatt is undoubtedly a tall task. While rising sophomore Squirrel White appears poised to become Tennessee's next great receiver, he has plenty still to prove.

White will need to showcase improved route running and the ability to consistently win one-on-one downfield to replicate Hyatt's production. But with his gritty playing style and the full confidence of the Vols coaching staff, White is the most capable successor heading into 2023.

Ultimately, it make take a committee approach from White and Tennessee's other young, talented receivers to fully replace Hyatt's impact. But with quality options across the board, the Vols should remain loaded at wideout to spearhead another top 25 offense next season.

FAQs

Who is the leading candidate to replace Jalin Hyatt as Tennessee's #1 WR?

Sophomore Squirrel White looks to be the frontrunner to take over WR1 duties after showing plenty of promise as a freshman. Though undersized at 5'10", White has similar quickness and burst as Hyatt with a rugged playing style.

What are Squirrel White's biggest areas for improvement in 2023?

White will need to expand his route tree and become a more polished runner capable of winning consistently downfield. He'll also be expected to embrace a leadership role as the most experienced returning receiver.

Who else is competing for a starting job at WR?

Transfers Isaiah Epps and Andison Coby bring Power 5 experience to the position battle. Freshmen 4-stars Cameron Miller and Nate Spillman also expect to compete immediately for snaps rather than redshirt.

What makes WR such a deep position for Tennessee in 2023?

The Volunteers have recruited the receiver spot excellently, with a blend of emerging young talents like White plus incoming transfers and top-ranked freshmen. There are high-level options across the board to fill Hyatt's production.