'That's what darkness does to you' - Former Tennessee Vols WR Jalin Hyatt makes honest admission about offseason decision

Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt had a tough sophomore season with the New York Giants in 2024. 

After showing promise as a rookie in 2023, Hyatt caught just eight passes for 62 yards in 16 games last season. 

Part of the reason that Hyatt wasn't more productive was a lack of consistent playing time. 

The former Vol, however, isn't blaming the Giants' coaching staff for his down season. Hyatt admitted last month during an appearance on Giants Huddle that he didn't make the most of his limited opportunities. 

"Obviously I didn't have a lot of opportunities last year," said Hyatt. "But I felt like I didn't make most of my opportunities when I did have them. And that's how this game goes -- you take advantage of the opportunities, [then] you get more. And that's really my mindset going into year three." 

One way that Hyatt is hoping to take advantage of his opportunities is by getting stronger in the offseason. The South Carolina native has reportedly added around 20 pounds of muscle ahead of the 2025 season. 

"I played at like 171 last year," noted Hyatt. "I'm at about 194 or 195 now. I'm telling you, that's what darkness does to you." 

"The speed will stay there," continued Hyatt. "For me, it's learning to run at this weight. Learning to play faster, play bigger, play stronger through contact. I felt like that was one of the things I needed to work on." 

Just because Hyatt's had a slow start to his NFL career doesn't mean he doesn't still have the potential to be a great player.

Hyatt was quiet during his first two seasons at Tennessee before becoming the best wide receiver in college football as a junior. Development isn't always linear. For Hyatt, he's gone through some adversity his first two seasons in the NFL, but he's been through adversity before and managed to thrive. 

The challenges Hyatt's experienced during his first two seasons in the NFL will only serve to make him a better player as he enters his third season with the Giants.