Mahelona won't leave UT early for NFL

"I went and talked to coach (Phillip) Fulmer, (and) I told him I'd be back,'' Mahelona said. "I know I can get better next year. I can improve my technique going against double teams and really get ready.''

Mahelona, a defensive tackle, was one of a handful of UT juniors considering their NFL options.

Offensive guard Cody Douglas, who's trying to return from ligament damage in his foot, also has decided to return for his senior year.

Douglas had said if his NFL draft grade came back third round or higher, he'd "take a good hard, long look at it'' because of some pressing family issues.

Wednesday night, Douglas said he's put the issue to rest and decided to stay.

Safety Jason Allen said he'll wait until getting his draft evaluation before making a decision

Mahelona's decision to return had to do with family matters, too. His brother, Steven, is a running back at nearby Tusculum.

Mahelona, who transferred to UT from Orange Coast (Calif.) College in January, leads the SEC with 181/2 tackles for loss this season.

Mahelona admitted he considered turning pro earlier this season.

"It crossed my mind,'' he said. "It's still my choice, but I know I need to come back and play again.''

Mahelona said another factor in his decision to return is the talent the Vols will return.

"I was telling Erik Ainge that they'll win their next national championship within four years,'' Mahelona said. "I think we have a good chance of winning the SEC championship next year.''

Fulmer said he was pleased, but not surprised, by Mahelona's decision.

"It's a lot like when Kevin Burnett and Michael Munoz decided they would come back for their senior year,'' Fulmer said. "Where would we be without them this season?''

Fulmer said there are times when he understands a junior's decision to turn pro.

"You have to tell your players the truth when they come to you,'' Fulmer said. "When I sat down with Shaun Ellis and Jamal Lewis, there wasn't a lot of conversation to have with them.''

Lewis was the fifth overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft, and Ellis went 12th that year.

"Jesse still has a lot of fundamental and technique work to do to play the position at the higher level,'' Fulmer said.