I won’t attempt to predict what Thornton will or won’t accomplish next season in this offense. However, it is worth noting how quickly and dramatically Tillman and Hyatt exploded in this offense. Consider the following stats, first for Tillman:
2018: 1 reception for -3 yards
2019: 4 receptions for 60 yards and 1 touchdown
2020: 3 receptions for 67 receptions and 1 touchdown
2021: 64 receptions for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns, most of which came in the second half of the season
2022: 37 receptions for 417 yards and 3 touchdowns
Cedric Tillman Stats, News, Bio | ESPN
The trajectory for Jalin Hyatt was almost as dramatic:
2020: 20 receptions for 276 yards and 2 touchdowns
2021: 21 receptions for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns
2022: 67 receptions for 1267 yards and 15 touchdowns
Jalin Hyatt Stats, News, Bio | ESPN
I most definitely trust that Coach Heupel will find a way to effectively utilize this young man’s talents.