linebacker Daniel Brooks has heard the comparisons for a few years.

He has been compared to former Vol linebacker Al Wilson. The same Al Wilson who was a first-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 1999 and is one of the NFL's top middle linebackers.

Isn't that kind of comparison a lot to put on a young player?

"I think so, because coming from high school to college is two different levels," Brooks said earlier this week. "In high school you just run around and play and just go where the ball is.

"In college you've got a bunch of assignments. You've got to be in your gap and play your gap and your drop pass at the same time. I think that's just a lot to put on somebody coming out of high school."

Brooks, a sophomore, played at the Jackson (Tenn.) Central-Merry High School, which is also Wilson's alma mater.

He was a Parade and SuperPrep All-American as a senior. One recruiting analyst rated him the nation's No. 1 inside linebacker prospect.

In his first season at Tennessee, 2003, Brooks played in eight games, mostly on special teams. He has played in three games this season and has five tackles.

"He's made some major progress," defensive coordinator/linebackers coach John Chavis said. "He's still learning to play the position and learning the discipline and the things that he has to do.

"Obviously he's talented enough and he's a lot more ready to play now than he has been."

Brooks, the backup to senior Kevin Burnett at weak-side linebacker, drew praise from Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer after last Saturday's victory against Louisiana Tech.

"I think it was decent," Brooks said of that game. "Again, I've just got to stay focused and get better by the week and take that as a challenge."

In a way, he takes the comparison to Wilson as a challenge.

He started hearing it his junior year of high school. Even the Tennessee media guide states about Brooks: "Hard-nosed defender has drawn comparisons to former Vol defensive great and Jackson native Al Wilson."

How does Brooks respond when somebody compares him to Wilson?

"I tell them I just wish I could be that good," Brooks said.

Brooks says he has met Wilson a couple of times and occasionally talks with him by phone. Their last conversation was last winter.

"He says just play hard, practice hard, stay focused, and everything else will come into place," Brooks said.

Brooks had three tackles in the opener against UNLV, none against Florida, and two last week against Louisiana Tech.

He isn't sure what role he will have against Auburn, but says he will take it as it comes.

"It seems like as the weeks go by I get better and better, and I'm working harder and harder," Brooks said. "I'm trying to work harder and stay focused. As long as I do that, the playing time will be there."