There will be an interesting battle raging in Tampa as Tennessee prepares for Penn State in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1.

Tennessee's two most athletic linebackers will be vying for the same weakside position once sophomore Jerod Mayo returns from a knee injury he suffered against Vanderbilt on Nov. 18 to challenge Rico McCoy.

"I feel good," said Mayo, who is scheduled to return to practice on Dec. 26, UT's first full day in Florida. "I've been running the past couple of days. I'll be ready to go Jan. 1. Every day it's getting better.

"According to all the early reports, I feel like I'm way ahead of schedule."

Redshirt freshman McCoy has played well during Mayo's absence. McCoy's seven tackles against Vanderbilt led UT. A week later, he had six against Kentucky.

"He stepped up when Jerod went down," senior strongside linebacker Ryan Karl said. "You can just see when you turn on the film how good of an athlete he is."

Mayo is a good athlete, too. Despite missing almost two complete games, he is third on the team with 82 tackles and leads UT with 12 1/2 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Mayo and McCoy both have great athletic ability and both seem best situated to play on the weakside. So who gets the first team practice snaps in Tampa?

"I feel like I need a lot," Mayo said. "I feel like I'm behind. I haven't played the last two games. Rico McCoy has done an excellent job filling in my shoes but I feel like if I get a lot of practice, I'll be back where I was."

McCoy doesn't seem like he's willing to concede anything, especially not a starting position.

"Going into the Penn State game, starting and everything, I need to work on my studying of film and stuff like that," McCoy said. "That's what is definitely going to help me next year going into the season, knowing how to study opponents and break them down in the film room.

"That's going to be one big thing I'm going to take starting these last two games of the season."

Limited playing time has had its effect on McCoy.

"It's like getting teased a little bit," he said. "You want more."

The battle should work itself out next year, when one of the two will likely slide to middle linebacker in place of Marvin Mitchell, who is a senior. Mayo would seem like the more likely choice because he has more experience.

"I'm really not sure," he said. "We'll find out come spring ball."

UT will hold a morning practice today and then take a break for Christmas.

Answer Man: UT receivers coach Trooper Taylor must have an idea what receiver Robert Meachem is experiencing as he mulls his NFL future. Taylor has been asked plenty of times concerning his star wideout.

"I wish I had a dollar for every time," Taylor said. "I'd own the (Dallas) Cowboys instead of watching them."

Taylor said he is sure that Meachem is still genuinely undecided. Taylor said he'd help Meachem gather as much information as possible, including meeting with former Vols in the NFL such as Jason Witten and Donte Stallworth, both of whom departed before their senior season.

"Take Donte," Taylor said, "He left and wanted to come back. It all depends on the kid. I think Robert's having fun here. I think he enjoys being here. I think another year would help him mature. The big thing you worry about is injury."

The Vols will lose star receivers in seniors Jayson Swain and Bret Smith. Could Meachem be worried about not having a proven wideout opposite him to balance out opposing pass coverage?

"You don't see Meachem line up in just one spot," Taylor said. "I don't think that will be a concern whatsoever."

Football Frenzy: UT offensive line coach Greg Adkins seemed to be enjoying time with his players now that classes have ended and recruiting has entered a dead period.

"It's a joy just to get back to a football standpoint and be around these guys, for the most part, all day long," Adkins said.

Postponed: Redshirt freshman defensive back Marsalous Johnson's hearing for simple assault charges in Putnam County has been postponed until March 22. It was originally scheduled for Tuesday.

MIA: Redshirt freshman tailback LaMarcus Coker did not practice. He also was not seen during UT's bowl luncheon at Outback Steakhouse. Coker did not dress out for UT's scrimmage last Saturday or practice Monday.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer has not been specific about Coker's absence, only to say it's not an injury but Coker needs to get something "squared away."