Texas A&M will be ready for bashful Mahelona

Look no further than Tennessee defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona.

The Vols' tackles-for-loss leader had the effect of a wrecking ball at times this season, breaking through pocket protection and knocking down opposing ball carriers in the backfield.

"We'll know where he's aligned and what we have to do to combat him,'' Texas A&M offensive coordinator Les Koenning said. "He gets a great push, and he can really move you back.''

On Wednesday, it was Mahelona who was moved after being introduced by his defensive coordinator John Chavis.

"I don't think I've ever seen a first-year player have an impact like Jesse has for us,'' Chavis said. "He changed our complexion at the (defensive tackle) position.''

Mahelona wore an "aw shucks'' expression as Chavis spoke.

"I just can't believe I got All-American in one year,'' Mahelona quietly said, shaking his head. "There are so many other great players, and to be honored like that is so incredible.

"Coming in my goals were to win a starting job, get 10 tackles for loss and three or four sacks.''

Mahelona has started every game this season, has 18.5 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks.

"My biggest concern now is not getting caught up in the hype,'' Mahelona said. "Saturday, I'll have to play within myself.''

That will be the challenge for the Tennessee front seven in on defense as they attempt to corral the dangerous Reggie McNeal at quarterback.

"I have to contain him and make sure he doesn't get to the corner,'' Mahelona said. "I've heard he's never really gotten a true hit. We need to get after him early and see how he reacts.''

Mahelona's play has provided an accurate barometer of UT's defensive success.

Mahelona was forced out of the Ole Miss game in the first quarter with a sprained knee and the Vols had trouble with the Rebels' run. He didn't record a tackle against Vanderbilt, which enabled quarterback Jay Cutler to do his best Joe Montana impersonation for 58 minutes. Against Kentucky, the Wildcats schemed away from Mahelona, getting rid of the ball quickly and limiting him to three stops.

The Aggies figure to do the same with their West Coast-style of offense. And when McNeal takes off with his 4.38 speed, Mahelona and his defensive mates will be hard-pressed to keep up.

Linebacker Kevin Burnett described an approach that sounded very much like something one would see on a safari hunt from a pride of lions.

"If we're going to flush him, we need to flush him into a certain part of the field where we have more defenders,'' Burnett said. "Then we'll get our chances to hit the quarterback.''

Defensive end Parys Haralson echoed the plan of attack.

"You have to keep him contained and stay in your rush lane,'' Haralson said. "We can't come in all wild. It will take more than one guy. Somebody has got to get in his face.''

That's where Mahelona comes in: his push from the middle is what disrupts McNeal's field vision and puts him on the move.

"It's going to be a challenge,'' Mahelona said. "Their offensive line is one of the best, if not the best, that we've seen.''