Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt Recognized By PFF For Tennessee Football
Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt were two of the key drivers of Tennessee’s revitalization. The pairing found a wavelength throughout the 2022 season that sparked offense and led them to all-time offensive efficiency marks.
As they’ve risen through the professional ranks, it hasn’t stopped fans from reminiscing about their time together. Hooker was a serious Heisman nominee, while Hyatt came home with the Biletnikoff Award.
Their impact on Rocky Top and college football cannot be underestimated, a recent roster from PFF reveals. They ranked the top 101 players of the 2022 season, and the duo made the cut.
They were one of two quarterback-receiver pairings at each rank in the top 25. The other pair were Ohio State’s CJ Stroud and Marvin Harrison, both of whom were expected to be first-round draft picks.
Hooker was the No. 15 player and the No. 5 quarterback. While his season was cut short with a cruciate ligament tear against South Carolina, Hooker redefined what it meant to play quarterback for head coach Josh Heupel.
“Hooker’s cruciate ligament tear doesn’t detract from his magical season as Tennessee had the best offense in the country in terms of yardage and points per game with two interceptions in the season. He also finished second in the nation in the passer score (123.9), behind only CJ Stroud.
Hyatt was the No. 25 player and the No. 2 receiver, behind only Harrison. He recorded 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022, becoming the most indomitable receiver in the SEC.
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Many doubted Hyatt’s greatness after high school. While the 6-1 speedster has frame issues, he gets open and follows football well, the only requirements needed to play on Tennessee offense.
“Hyatt won the Biletnikoff Award this season after leading the nation with a 156.5 passer rating when hit on target. His 15 receiving touchdowns also led the power five. Now much of that production was planned, as his 77.4 grade hardly ranked in the top 50 among college football wide receivers. He’s only caught the press this season with 31 snaps. Still, his elite speed has been a nightmare for the SEC defense all season.
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