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During his time at Tennessee, Jalin Hyatt was the go-to guy for quarterback Hendon Hooker. The duo consistently connected in nearly every game, with their most iconic performance coming against Alabama in 2022. That night, Hyatt delivered a career-defining performance, catching six passes and scoring five touchdowns.
“Hyatt had six receptions for five touchdowns for 207 yards. He caught a 36-yard touchdown and an 11-yard score later in the quarter. He had a 60-yard touchdown in the third quarter, then a 78-yarder to put UT ahead 42-35. In the fourth quarter, he had his fifth TD to help tie the game at 49-49,” Knoxville News Sentinel’s Mike Wilson wrote.
Hyatt later entered the NFL Draft and was selected by the New York Giants, where he was expected to become a key piece of their offense. However, his rookie season didn’t go as planned, as he saw a significantly reduced role.
“While Nabers shined, the Giants' WR drafted in 2023 floundered, as Jalin Hyatt saw his role drastically reduced when New York turned to other weapons on a more consistent basis,” NFL.com’s Coral Smith wrote.
Hyatt's biggest draw coming out of college was his speed — the same speed that helped him torch defenders in the SEC. But in New York, that explosiveness hasn’t translated yet. The limited playing time and lack of production last season took a toll on him, both mentally and physically.
This offseason, however, Hyatt has undergone a major transformation. He’s bulked up — and credits his personal struggles for fueling the change.
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“I played at like 170, 171 last year, I’m about 194, 195 now,” Hyatt recently told the Giants Huddle podcast, via NFL.com. “I’m telling you, that’s what darkness does to you. It changes you.”
Hyatt used the down year as motivation, even if it initially took a negative toll. Now, he's aiming for a breakout season — and to become the player the Giants have been waiting to unleash.
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