Senior Bowl Updates: Tennessee Vols Measurements, Highlights, and Intel

The Senior Bowl is one of the most important events on the college football calendar, offering a stage for college seniors to showcase their skills and improve their NFL draft stock. For Tennessee Volunteers players, the Senior Bowl represents an opportunity to impress scouts and coaches, gain national exposure, and potentially secure a spot in the upcoming NFL Draft. The 2024 Senior Bowl, held in Mobile, Alabama, has been an exciting opportunity for several Tennessee players to shine in front of NFL scouts and make a case for themselves as future professional athletes.

In this article, we’ll provide a detailed update on the Tennessee Volunteers participating in the 2024 Senior Bowl, including key measurements, standout highlights, and insider intel on how the Vols’ prospects have performed during the week leading up to the game. From offensive and defensive standouts to the insights that can shape their NFL future, these updates will give Tennessee fans and draft analysts everything they need to know about their players’ performances.

Tennessee Players Invited to the 2024 Senior Bowl

The Senior Bowl is often the stage where many of the nation’s top prospects face off in practices and drills. For Tennessee, a program known for its high-powered offense and dynamic athletes, there were several key players who earned invitations to this prestigious event. These players had varying degrees of success in their Tennessee careers but all have the chance to prove their worth in front of NFL decision-makers.

Here are some of the Tennessee Volunteers players who received invitations to the 2024 Senior Bowl:

• Jalin Hyatt (WR) – Hyatt emerged as one of the most dynamic and explosive wide receivers in the country during the 2023 season. With his blazing speed and strong hands, he was instrumental in Tennessee’s high-scoring offense under Josh Heupel.
• Hendon Hooker (QB) – Hooker, the star quarterback for the Volunteers, led Tennessee’s offense to new heights, including a dramatic win over Alabama in 2023. His leadership and maturity as a signal-caller made him a standout for Tennessee and garnered significant NFL attention.
• Darnell Wright (OT) – Wright has been one of the most consistent players for Tennessee’s offensive line. As a physical presence on the field, he has impressed scouts with his ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside.
• Byron Young (EDGE) – Young was a key figure on Tennessee’s defense in 2023, standing out as one of the top pass rushers in the SEC. His performance in the Senior Bowl could determine his draft stock moving forward.
• Kenny Solomon (CB) – Solomon has been a reliable piece of Tennessee’s secondary, and the Senior Bowl provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his ability to compete at the professional level.

Now, let’s dive into the specific updates for each of these players, including their measurements, highlights, and intel on their performances so far at the Senior Bowl.

Jalin Hyatt: Blazing Speed and Big-Play Ability

Measurements:

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 185 pounds
• Wingspan: 74”
• 40-yard dash time: 4.38 seconds (approx.)

Senior Bowl Highlights:

Jalin Hyatt was one of the most highly anticipated players from Tennessee to participate in the Senior Bowl. Known for his blazing speed and ability to make plays downfield, Hyatt has made a lasting impression during Senior Bowl practices. He’s consistently showcased his ability to create separation from defensive backs with his impressive burst and acceleration. His route running has also been crisp, and he’s shown improved technique at getting in and out of breaks to create more space for himself.

Hyatt’s strong hands and ability to track deep passes have been key components of his success at Tennessee, and he has demonstrated those same skills at the Senior Bowl. Several highlight-reel catches in practice have made the rounds, including a fantastic one-handed grab that left scouts buzzing. His deep-threat ability is clear, and his performance at the Senior Bowl has done nothing but reinforce his status as a potential first-round pick.

Intel:

While Hyatt’s speed and route-running ability have been impressive, questions about his physicality and consistency against stronger, more physical defenders remain. NFL scouts want to see how Hyatt handles more physical press coverage and whether he can continue to produce at the next level against elite cornerbacks. However, his explosiveness and playmaking ability have made him one of the most exciting wide receivers at the Senior Bowl.

Hendon Hooker: Leadership and Precision

Measurements:

• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 219 pounds
• Wingspan: 79”
• 40-yard dash time: 4.63 seconds (approx.)

Senior Bowl Highlights:

Hendon Hooker’s Senior Bowl appearance has been all about leadership and accuracy. Despite not having the same arm strength as some other top quarterback prospects, Hooker has impressed with his poise, accuracy, and decision-making ability. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and lead his team on long drives has translated well during Senior Bowl practices.

During practice, Hooker has demonstrated excellent touch on deep balls, finding his receivers downfield with impressive accuracy. One of his standout moments came when he threw a perfectly placed ball into a tight window for a 30-yard gain, showing off his understanding of timing and placement.

Hooker’s leadership has also been on display, with scouts praising his demeanor in practice and his ability to inspire confidence in his teammates. His strong performance has helped boost his stock, especially with NFL teams looking for mature, well-rounded quarterbacks.

Intel:

Despite his impressive performance in Mobile, Hooker’s recovery from the torn ACL he suffered late in the 2023 season has raised some concerns. NFL teams will want to ensure that Hooker is fully recovered and will be able to compete at a high level as a rookie. Additionally, there are some questions about whether Hooker’s system at Tennessee—one that relies heavily on quick-hitting throws and downfield shots—will translate to the pro game. However, his football IQ, leadership, and accuracy should keep him firmly in the mix as a potential second or third-round pick.

Darnell Wright: Power and Protection

Measurements:

• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 333 pounds
• Wingspan: 81”
• 40-yard dash time: 5.05 seconds (approx.)

Senior Bowl Highlights:

Darnell Wright’s performance at the Senior Bowl has confirmed his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Known for his raw power, Wright has demonstrated elite ability in both run blocking and pass protection throughout the week.

During Senior Bowl practice, Wright was consistently able to control defensive linemen with his massive frame and long arms. He showcased an impressive ability to stay balanced while engaging defenders and neutralizing their pass-rush moves. Wright’s ability to handle speed and power rushers is one of his greatest assets, and he’s shown that he can anchor against some of the top defensive linemen in the country.

Intel:

Wright’s combination of size, power, and technique makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams, particularly those looking for a strong presence at right tackle. Some scouts believe he may need a little more refinement in his technique, particularly in terms of hand placement and pad level, but his potential is undeniable. With more polished technique, Wright could be a long-term starter on the offensive line.

Byron Young: Disrupting the Backfield

Measurements:

• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 250 pounds
• Wingspan: 80”
• 40-yard dash time: 4.65 seconds (approx.)

Senior Bowl Highlights:

Byron Young, the edge rusher for the Volunteers, has been one of the standout defensive players at the Senior Bowl. Known for his ability to get after the quarterback, Young has shown an impressive mix of speed, strength, and agility during practice sessions. His ability to bend around the edge and generate pressure has impressed NFL scouts, with many noting his relentless motor and ability to change directions quickly.

In drills and one-on-one matchups, Young consistently won with his explosiveness off the line and ability to keep offensive linemen off balance. His ability to set the edge against the run has also been an asset, showing his versatility as both a pass rusher and a run defender.

Intel:

Young’s blend of power and speed makes him an intriguing prospect as a potential 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end at the next level. He has shown enough in practice to earn a reputation as a player who can disrupt an offense’s game plan, but there are still questions about his consistency, especially in terms of finishing plays and becoming a more refined pass rusher. If he can continue to build on his pass-rushing moves, Young could find himself going in the second or third round of the NFL Draft.

Kenny Solomon: Playmaking in the Secondary

Measurements:

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 190 pounds
• Wingspan: 75”
• 40-yard dash time: 4.47 seconds (approx.)

Senior Bowl Highlights:

Kenny Solomon is another Volunteer who has used the Senior Bowl as a platform to show his skills in the secondary. Solomon has displayed solid coverage ability throughout practice, making plays on the ball and showing great anticipation on routes. He’s demonstrated excellent instincts in breaking up passes and has earned praise for his quick reactions and physicality.

One of his best moments during practice came when he read a quarterback’s eyes and jumped a route, nearly intercepting a pass on a deep throw. His ability to track the ball and close in on receivers has been a strength for him, and NFL scouts have taken note.

Intel:

Solomon’s ability to play in both man and zone coverage, coupled with his physicality and ball skills, makes him an appealing prospect for NFL teams looking for depth in their secondary. His performance at the Senior Bowl has solidified his status as a potential late-round pick, though he will need to refine his technique and consistency to compete at the next level.