Former Tennessee football superstar wide receiver Jalin Hyatt made a standout play at the New York Giants’ mini-camp practice on Monday. According to a report from Brandon London, Jameis Winston delivered a strong throw, and Hyatt beat his defender on a go route down the right sideline.
Through a contest, Hyatt came down with the ball for the big reception. The only issue was that it was Vol-on-Vol crime. The defender on the play was rookie and former Tennessee standout cornerback Colton Hood.
Still, the play stands as a big moment for Hyatt as he looks to cement a role on the Giants’ roster. After winning the Biletnikoff Award for a statistically jaw-dropping year in 2022 with the Vols, he has struggled to find his footing as a contributing member of New York’s roster.
Jalin Hyatt just beat Colton Hood on a go route down the right side. Great ball by Jameis. Great concentration on the contested catch.
Jalin Hyatt ladies and gents…
(Giants Mini Camp)Advertisement— Brandon London (@BrandonLondonTV) June 8, 2026
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For Hood, he’s being looked at as a potential future star in the Giants’ secondary. As a second-round pick, he’ll get his chances to make an impact as a rookie, beginning in these preseason practices and eventually preseason games.
Hood transferred into Tennessee during the spring portal period ahead of the 2025 season. After injuries sidelined both Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III for the entire season, Hood was thrust into Tennessee’s top cornerback role in his first season with the Vols. He racked up 50 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, one pick-six and a scoop-and-score touchdown.
Hood began his career at Auburn before transferring to Colorado to play with Travis Hunter in the secondary and under Deion Sanders.
