Ainge sure he'll return; Meachem not sure

"I am 100-percent -- right now -- that I'm going to be here playing football next year," said Ainge, Tennessee's junior quarterback. "I don't think that I'm ready."

The question might have been preposterous before the season. Now, it's a real concern for UT fans who are watching the prolific duo have breakout seasons with one optional season of eligibility remaining.

Ainge, who is ranked 15th in the NCAA in pass efficiency, was willing to commit to his senior season. Meachem, who is the third leading receiver in the NCAA, isn't ready to declare his intentions.

"I'm going to let God make that decision for me when it's time to make that decision," Meachem said. "If it's best for me to stay, then I'll stay. If it's best for me to go, then I'll go."

After a disastrous 5-6 season in 2005 that saw Ainge and Meachen struggle, the Vols are 6-1 and ranked No. 8 heading into Saturday's game at South Carolina.

Several UT players annually apply to the NFL draft advisory board to see where they may be drafted. For now, two high-profile pro prospects are deflecting the inquiries.

"You get that question a lot," Ainge said. "My answer to that is: A. I don't think I'd be ready. B. South Carolina at 7:45 (Saturday) is the only thing in my world, football wise, that matters."

"The minute that Robert or I or anybody else start thinking about other stuff than this weekend, then that's when we won't win."

Meachem's decision seems complicated. He came to UT with seniors Bret Smith and Jayson Swain. The three have always seemed linked even though Meachem took a redshirt year to undergo knee surgery shortly after arriving at UT. Meachem also has a young daughter he'll have to consider.

For Meachem, his family asks the question the most.

"I don't want to talk about it," Meachem said, recalling how he responds. "The less you think about it, the more you can perform. The more you start to think about the next level, you're going to get selfish."

Meachem admitted the debate would have seemed a farfetched before the season, but he also said the NFL has always been a consideration.

"You don't take all them bruises and all them morning runs ... you don't do all that for nothing," he said.

Meachem was a tough prospect to gauge when he picked UT over Oklahoma. After practice on Wednesday, there was a strange sense of deja vu.

"As far as me even thinking about going to the NFL," Meachem said, "it hasn't even crossed my mind."

Manly Mayo: Jarod Mayo is practicing this week despite at least two ailments. The sophomore weakside linebacker had a splint on his left index finger and a protective boot on his sprained left ankle. Still, Mayo is expected to play.

Mayo is hoping for more time at defensive end, where he had a sack on the final play against Alabama last Saturday. Mayo was filling in for senior Marvin Mitchell, who was tired.

In desperate passing situations where he can utilize his speed, Mayo is a natural pass rusher. Still, the move can draw the playful ire of some of his teammates.

"(Former defensive end) Turk McBride said he should have been out there," Mayo said with a smile.

Scouting Report: Xavier Mitchell's plan to defend mobile Gamecock quarterback Syvelle Newton is simple.

"Be smart," the junior defensive end said. "Rush your lanes. Don't get past him where he can step up in the pocket ... Have a good push up the middle. That way he doesn't have lanes to step up in."

Newton's ability to run and pass has Mitchell's attention.

"He's a great playmaker," Mitchell said. "If he scrambles, he can still throw the ball down field. That does wonders for an offense."

South Carolina also has an impressive athlete on the other side of the ball.

"I think (junior middle linebacker) Jasper Brinkley is a special football player," Ainge said.

Speed and size are two of Brinkley's best attributes. But, Ainge said, instincts are what distinguishes the 6-foot-1, 250 pound defender.

"He just always finds a way to be around the ball," Ainge said.

Brinkley isn't South Carolina only defender worth watching, according to Ainge.

"I think they're as athletic as anyone we've played," Ainge said.

Johnson Hearing Postponed: Freshman defensive back Marsalous Johnson's preliminary hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed one week.

Johnson is facing felony charges for allegedly pointing a toy gun at an off-duty sheriff's deputy in Putnam County this summer. He served a four-game suspension for the incident, however UT coach Phillip Fulmer said he could face more disciplinary measures pending the outcome of his case.

Roll Call: Swain (ankle) was very limited during practice.

Looking For Cutcliffe: Quarterback Mike Paulus of Christian Brothers in Syracuse, N.Y., offered some possible replacements for recently fired North Carolina coach John Bunting. Paulus committed to North Carolina in April.

"All the information that has been brought to my attention on the situation, is that the next head coach will be a big-name coach," Paulus wrote on carolinablue.com. "Names such as Butch Davis, Jimbo Fisher, and (UT offensive coordinator) David Cutcliffe are likely candidates for the job, and I think all of them are terrific coaches."