Justin Harrell got used to being "that other guy" at defensive tackle in 2004.

Jesse Mahelona earned most of the attention en route to an All-America selection by The Sporting News.

Things have changed in 2005. Mahelona's the first to tell you. Harrell, a 6-foot-4, 306-pound junior, has arrived.

"When you watch a lot of film from last year, you can definitely see a difference in Justin Harrell," Mahelona said. "He has become an awesome defensive tackle.

"I think he's playing like an All-America, too. Justin's amazing. He's a lot more mobile than last year and it helps all of us out."

Harrell heads into Saturday's game against No. 5 Georgia (3:30 p.m. at Neyland Stadium) as one of the most productive defensive linemen in the SEC.

He's averaging five tackles a game, tied for the lead among SEC ends and tackles.

Harrell had a career-high eight tackles against Florida, forced a key fumble against LSU and was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the week after intercepting a pass against UAB in the opener.

None of it surprises Mahelona or UT coaches.

"He plays really strong and he plays really low for his height," Mahelona said. "I play low because I'm short, but he gets low, and he's so strong and massive.

"He takes up a lot of blocks and I think that's what teams on the next level are looking for. Justin's right there."

Harrell, Mahelona and the defensive end tandem of Parys Haralson and Jason Hall will be called on once again to come up big against Georgia.

The Bulldogs rank No. 1 in the SEC with 468 offensive yards per game. They're the No. 2 rushing offense. UT is the No. 1 rushing defense.

Something has to give. Harrell, for one, doesn't think it's going to be the Vols.

"It's the whole D-line," he said. "We knew going into this season what we could do.

"I just want to make plays and stay consistent in every ballgame. At this point, I think I'm playing my best ball."

Just don't forget about Mahelona. UT defensive coordinator John Chavis compared him to some of the best to ever play for the Vols.

"I'd probably take Jesse over anybody we've had," Chavis said when asked to compare his current defensive tackles to previous UT stars like Albert Haynesworth and Outland Trophy winner John Henderson.

Chavis also said junior defensive tackle Tony McDaniel is making progress but isn't ready to play 20-25 snaps yet.

McDaniel was suspended for the first two games of the season before making his 2005 debut against LSU.

Injury Report: Receiver C.J. Fayton and defensive tackle Turk McBride, each suffering from ankle injuries, are listed as questionable against Georgia.

"I would lean more to they will play," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "How much? We don't know. It's kind of 50-50, but both of them seem pretty determined to play."

Linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) is probable. Defensive back Jarod Parrish (knee) is doubtful.

Scholarly Clausen: Tennessee quarterback Rick Clausen is the Vols' Scholar of the Week as selected by the staff of the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center.

Clausen graduated in December with a bachelor's degree in speech communications. He's currently working toward a master's degree in recreation and leisure studies.

He's also a camp counselor for TEAM FOCUS, working with youth without fathers.