Potential breakout star? Josh Heupel praises work of Tennessee wide receiver this offseason

Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers expect another big year on offense this fall. After all, a trio of stars — QB Hendon Hooker, WR Cedric Tillman and RB Jabari Small — return for another year on Rocky Top.

But, there are some questions in the receiving corps, as the Vols have to replace a couple of key spots behind Tillman. Deep-threat Javonta Payton is gone. As is reliable slot receiver Velus Jones Jr.

So, who could step up into one of those roles? On Monday, Heupel praised the work Jalin Hyatt has done this offseason, saying he looks poised to make a big jump in 2022:

Heupel on J. Hyatt: He understood that he needed to change and started making those changes… He's added a ton of size, strength, and maturity to his frame… All of those factors give him the ability to have a good year for us.

— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) August 1, 2022

Last season, Hyatt recorded 21 catches for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns — a nearly identical stat line to his 2020 performance (20 catches, 276 yards, 2 scores).

Can he take a leap and become Hooker’s No. 2 target this fall? It seems like it’ll be between him and Bru McCoy to pick up the slack left by Payton and Jones’ departures.