Mapu still on mission, but plans to be back

Mapu's father, Simi, said the former defensive lineman is every bit as committed to Tennessee as he was when he signed with the Vols in 2002. After playing two years for the Vols, Mapu left UT in January 2004 to pursue his mission for his church. Mapu has been telling Houston residents about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Simi said his son's mission will be complete in July 2006. After that, it's back to UT, just in time for football season.

Mapu was an immediate contributor as a freshman, playing in 12 games at defensive end in 2002.

The following year he started 11 games at defensive tackle. Mapu had 26 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss including two sacks and four quarterback hurries. UT coaches raved about his potential.

Simi said UT's fans made an impression on his family that same year after J.T.'s older brother, Daniel, was struck by two cars in August 2003. Daniel was participating in a roadside anti-drug demonstration.

"I appreciate the Vol Nation supporting us with all we've gone through," Simi said. "We feel their love and support.

"We hear from the Knoxville Nation on my son's Web site. J.T. really appreciates that. The well wishers and prayers about his brother are very appreciated."

The Mapus' Web site www.danielmapu.com is designed for those who wish to follow Daniel's recovery. Since the accident, he has had to relearn how to sit up by himself and communicate with his family.

Recently, Daniel made some significant strides. Simi said his oldest son is almost able to stand up. On March 19, the Mapu family took Daniel, 23, to the beach for the first trip since the accident.

Simi said, while J.T. would rather be home with his brother, his obligations have been a welcome challenge.

"It's tough but he knows - like we know - that he's doing the Lord's work," Simi said. "I'm sure it's tough on him but he knew what he had to do. It's a blessing for him to be where he's at."

Letters and e-mail are the primary way for Mapu's parents to stay in touch with their son. Only two phone calls are allowed, one apiece on Mothers' Day and Christmas.

Even with the limited contact, Mapu's mother, Maryann, said football is still on her son's mind.

"I'm sure," she said. "That's always the biggest thing for him. I'm sure he can't wait to return. He was really happy to talk to them (UT coaches) during the holidays."

UT's only contact with Mapu since his departure came during the Vols' trip to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl last season. Mapu called UT defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks.

Simi said his son has taken to his mission well, having already been named a district leader in the mostly Hispanic population.

"He said he's not going to have any trouble in his Spanish classes when he gets back," UT assistant coach Steve Caldwell said with a laugh. Caldwell has stayed in contact with the Mapus since recruiting J.T.

Reports on Mapu's growth, or lack thereof, have been mixed. Simi said he believes his son is close to 300 pounds. UT coaches had heard he might have lost weight since leaving Knoxville at 280.

Before leaving, Mapu admitted to struggling with the decision to pursue his mission or postpone it until after his budding football career. Mapu was originally supposed to pursue the mission after his freshman year. Instead, he postponed the mission saying he needed to rededicate himself to his religion.

"Apparently, there was a lot of pressure on him over there," Simi said. "That's understandable considering what he was and what he meant to the team. I didn't realize how much pressure the boy was under. He was under so much pressure that he almost postponed his mission and didn't go.

"Being non-members and not understanding, they were looking out for his best interests as far as his football career was concerned."

Simi said the Mapus haven't set aside their UT fandom since Mapu left UT. Actually, their support seems to have grown.

"If you come to Hawaii, just ask 'Who is the No. 1 Volunteer fan?' " Simi said with a chuckle. "We fly our flags the whole season even though J.T. is gone. The flags will be up just as if he was playing.

"It's a commitment. We know J.T. is committed to Tennessee and we're going to support him. It's funny. Since J.T. signed with Tennessee, we see a lot more Tennessee fans."