Mahelona learning what not to say

"More conservative," Mahelona says of his quotes to media the past couple of weeks.

He learned quickly that a great quote for media isn't always a great quote for coaches.

When the Vols were preparing for the Sept. 18 Florida game, Mahelona was quoted saying Gators quarterback Chris Leak did not like to get hit.

A collective gasp could probably be heard from Tennessee's coaches, and they let Mahelona know about it.

"They did say something," Mahelona said earlier this week. "They just said you've got to watch what you say to the media, this and that, and I really didn't mean nothing bad about it in that sense. I just spoke how I felt, so I guess you need to hold back sometimes."

So why did Mahelona say that about Leak?

"I just break down film and say what I see," he said.

Mahelona had one of the Vols' two sacks in their 30-28 victory over Florida. He sacked Leak for a 9-yard loss.

Jason Allen and Jonathan Allen combined for the other sack.

Leak completed 22-of-31 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Florida also rushed for 135 yards.

"There's things I should have never said. ... because I'm not one to boast and brag and say this and that about him, but that's something I definitely will learn," Mahelona said.

It's not the only thing Mahelona has learned this season.

After the big victory against Florida, Mahelona says he underestimated Louisiana Tech last Saturday.

He had one tackle (an assist) in the Vols' 42-17 victory.

"Basically, personally, I really didn't prepare well enough on a personal level for Louisiana Tech," he said, "and going out there and playing against their offensive linemen, they were better than I expected.

"That's a learning point for me and I'm definitely not doing that again."

Mahelona, a transfer from Orange Coast (Calif.) College, enrolled at Tennessee in January. Considered one of the top junior college tackles in the nation, Mahelona earned a starting job for the Vols' opener against UNLV.

He knows he has room for improvement.

"I think I'm slowly but surely getting there," he said. "I had a big wakeup call this weekend when I decided to take Louisiana Tech not so seriously, and for me, that wasn't what I expected coming out of Florida and being satisfied with my play."

Mahelona has heard plenty about the Vols' 28-21 loss to Auburn last year.

He praises the Tigers passing attack as well as their running game.

He says Saturday's game against Auburn is a big test, but other big tests will follow.

Yes, Mahelona is learning to deal with the media.

"I guess that is going to progress as it continues to go along," he said. "This is my first real media attention, and maybe I'll do things right, maybe I'll do things wrong."