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Tennessee football: Why Jalin Hyatt should stay with Vols instead of going to the NFL

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Like most, I just assumed Tennessee football wide receiver Jalin Hyatt would turn pro after the season he just had, which culminated in winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver on Wednesday.

Hyatt turned himself from a benchwarmer into one of the top receivers in college football. The Vols will have a new quarterback at the helm in 2023 now that Hendon Hooker is out of eligibility. Why in the world would Hyatt stay and try to be a part of an offensive rebuild? Then, I realized that was old school thinking.

Former Tennessee football quarterback Peyton Manning shocked the world when he turned down the NFL when most thought he’d be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. That was before the 1997 season. This is 2022.

There wasn’t NIL money in 1997. There is now. Hyatt has been projected by some as a first-round NFL pick, but it’s doubtful he’ll drop lower than the second round. However, that’s no guarantee, and receivers have been known to plummet in the draft. Unlike quarterback, defensive end or offensive tackle, there are usually plenty of elite receivers. Hyatt may just be viewed as one of the bunch.

Then there was this tweet:

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Hyatt has already linked up with a sports marketing firm that will enhance his brand and boost his wallet no matter where he plays. However, the safest bet to make money off of endorsements is to stay at Tennessee for another season. There is no telling where Hyatt could end up in the NFL Draft and, unless he’s an immediate star, he’s not as valuable in a big city playing for an NFL team as he is in Knoxville starring for The Vols.

Simply put: There’s a good chance that Hyatt could make more money playing another season of college football than he could playing in the NFL. Crazy, right?

Hyatt is expected to be selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Let’s split it down the middle to be fair. Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis signed a contract worth $12.9-million as the last pick of the first round in 2022. The last pick of the second round is expected to make about $5 million. If you’re selected with a mid-round pick, you can expect that contract to be around $18 million. All are four-year deals.

Can Hyatt make the mid-range of those deals, about $12 million, if he stays at Tennessee to capitalize on NIL deals? Probably not. However, could he get rake in a few million at Tennessee and still have the NFL money out there when he wants to go pro? Probably so.

After winning the Biletnikoff Award, Hyatt said he was “50-50” about returning to Tennessee football as opposed to entering the NFL Draft. Signing with a marketing company and having success with his NIL deal with Hyatt Hotels is reason to take a whole new view of his pending decision. Hyatt Hotels is a bit different than Bob’s Burger Shop in Karns.

There would have been no question that Hyatt should leave for the NFL before NIL was introduced. After all, he just saw fellow receiver Cedric Tillman suffer an ankle injury that sidelined much of his 2022 season. However, there are insurance policies for things like that.

Manning’s decision was based on his desire to play college football for one more season. That will factor into Hyatt’s decision as well, but the business aspect of staying at Tennessee would be sound as well. In fact, when weighing all the factors, staying at Tennessee might be the most lucrative move.

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One Response

  1. He should stay another year.He could be the best ever. By signing deal with Hyatt Hotel,shows he is insure.He is the best,and let us be real,TENNESSEE needs him badly.
    GO TENNESSEE

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