TAMPA, Fla. - Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis hates to make comparisons.
Whether it's one opponent to another, one opposing running back to another or one of his former players to a current one, he'd just as soon let fans settle the debate on a bar stool or the Internet.
But when Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo is the topic, comparisons are inevitable, even for Chavis.
"He's been as good as any we've had here, and that's a pretty big statement. That's a pretty big statement, and I understand that's a big statement," Chavis said. "I have the ability to watch the film and know and understand. I hate comparing, but when you make a statement like that I guess it is comparing. I can't say enough for what he's helped this defense do."
On Tuesday, Mayo will once again prove a big help to the Vols' defense.
With Rico McCoy academically ineligible for the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin, Mayo will move from the middle to weakside linebacker, where he started last season.
That versatility sparks another comparison, this one to former UT great Al Wilson.
"You'd have to, probably," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "He's that kind of player. We just hope it's not his last game. We hope he's around for another year."
To that end, Fulmer will travel to Mayo's home in Virginia following the Outback Bowl to discuss the pros and cons of leaving early for the NFL with Mayo and his family.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper has said that Mayo could be among the top three linebackers selected in April's draft, if the junior elects to turn pro.
Mayo has graduated, earning his sport management degree earlier this month.
He's shown his versatility on the field, recording 10 or more tackles in five games last season at weakside linebacker.
This season, he leads the SEC with 127 total tackles after moving to middle linebacker in spring practice.
During the last three games of the season, he recorded 49 total tackles, 34 of them in key wins over Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
"I don't mean to sound redundant. I watched the film, so I know what I'm talking about. He's played that way all year," Chavis said. "It doesn't surprise me the way he's played. We knew he could, knew he would. The biggest thing is he's been able to stay healthy."
A knee injury forced Mayo to miss most of the Vanderbilt and Kentucky games to close last season, and he only played a few series against Penn State in last year's Outback Bowl.
But injuries are down the list of priorities in Mayo's decision to stay or go, one he insists he hasn't made yet.
"There's been rumors going around that I've already declared," Mayo says. "That's false, completely false. I don't even know myself what I'm going to do. I'm pretty neutral right now. I'm just worried about Wisconsin."
The potential financial benefits of turning pro early will be a major factor in his decision.
"Just my financial standpoint, things like that," Mayo said. "Will this team play for a championship next year? I really do think if everyone comes back, we'll be playing for a championship again. Really (the decision is) just what I want to do. It's a great position to be in. I can't make a wrong decision."
Regardless of that decision, defensive tackle Dan Williams will support Mayo. But he'd love to see his teammate back in orange next fall.
"With him on our defense, we'd be a whole lot better," Williams said. "We'd be on track to be a pretty good defense. It's his decision. Whatever he does, I'll support it. If he stays, it'll be scary.
"I'm grateful for playing with him. I guess I'll tell the kids looking back, I played with that guy right there."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
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Comments » 47
THE_VOL writes:
Jerod - IF you are SERIOUSLY truthful with yourself you will take the money and go. (a) You are only one play from never seeing the money. (b) This team has NO CHANCE for ANY title next year. (c) Your stock would be only marginally improved even with a great year next year. Be smart son, bail on this deal like half the coaches have.
budd#207344 writes:
THE_VOL YOU ARE POND SCUM
jeremy writes:
THE_Vol: you hit the nail on the head. Very well put... and honest.
jeremy writes:
Very intelligent, insult someone who has a different opinion. Classy!
scvols writes:
If he can go in the 1st round, he should take the money and run. LB is not like a QB, chances for getting hurt are high.
creepykev#228270 writes:
Just look at what happened to Jason Allen when he returned. Our team was horrible and to top it all off he gets his hip dislocated by one of Georgias huge Tight Ends. If he can go in the first round this really is a no brainer.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
He has his degree. Student and athlete. He'd be missed big-time. If he's truly in top 3 LBs, $$$$$$$$$. Man, thanks for being here, Mayo, either way. Too many times it was you and Berry against the world out there. You be da man!
THE_VOL writes:
Did I say something to upset you budd? noexcuses? You are BOTH LIARS if you say you wouldn't do EXACTLY what I am suggesting.
yeavols#228407 writes:
UH, Let's see...HM, this is hard..oh ok: Mayo has his degree, he can go pro and start making money, he has played in an SEC championship or two..umm what are the incentives of staying again? I forgot. Someone help me refresh my memory.
budd#207344 writes:
I wouldn't loser but that is not the point. He should make his decision on what is best for he and his family. Not because some scumbag who hates the coach but can't suggest a better alternative and just wants the coach to fail.
You act as if you have his best interests at heart when you are just a small minded sore loser who can't get what he wants.
Ask any guy who left early and to a man they say they wish they had stayed. Jerod and most others on these posts care about the program. You are just a loser.
And staying didn't hurt Jason Allen at all. He was still a first rounder
invisiblekid writes:
The hits keep coming, if Mayo is slated to be one of the top 3 LB's taken, I don't see any way he sticks around. Whatever he chooses to do, I wish him the best. I think the only reason he hasn't gotten more notice before now is the injuries.
CoverOrange writes:
The only reason I could think of to stick around is that college ball is fun, pro is a job. If Mayo stays, we'll yell and scream his name in Neyland. If he goes, we'll remember him but move on to the next great LB passing through.
Hunter writes:
I am from this school of thought: College is to prepare you for a future vocation. When you are adequately prepared (i.e. get a degree, get a huge job offer like the NFL, etc.) then you leave college and make some money.
Can't blame Jerod if he goes, but I'd love it if he would stay. He gives us a chance to be the best defense in America next season (and no, that ain't the Kool-Aid talking).
TommyJack writes:
Seems like a no-brainer to me.
imnotwithphil writes:
Jerod - Take the money and run... the only thing this program has in its near future is another losing season.
movol77 writes:
THE_VOL, are you a Gator?
movol77 writes:
THE_VOL, you are right about the fact that you would take the money. That's why guys like P. Manning are VOLS (worthy of caps).
movol77 writes:
imnotwithphil is code for imnotwithVols.
jevolball7 writes:
Steve Miller Band..circa 1977 from the lp "Book Of Dreams"....."GO ON TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN" I would.
ballewville6 writes:
DO WHATS BEST FOR YOU JEROD ,I WISH YOU WOULD STAY THEN WE WOULD HAVE BEST LB AND CB IN NATION AND A MUCH BETTER DEFENSE AND A GREAT RUNNING GAME AND OUR PASSING GAME WILL NOT BE AS PRODUCTIVE BUT WITH A QB WHO CAN TUCK AND RUN.BILLY BOB VOL ID SAY YOU WERE ONE OF THE IDIOTS WHO SAID THE YEAR AFTER PEYTON GRADUATED WE WILL BE LUCKY TO GO '500 BALL AND YET THEY WON NATIONAL TITAL SO ARE YOE A SEERER OF THE FUTURE ,BECAUSE THE VOLS MIGHT WIN IT ALL NEXT YEAR THEY GOT A SCEDUAL WITH THERE TOUGHER GAMES BAMA,FLA,AT HOME SO I CAN SEE SEC EAST DIVISION CHAMPS AND SEC CG C AND BCS BOWL CHAMPS YOU GOT TO BE OPTIMISTIC IN STEAD OF PESSAMISTIC EVEN IF ITS A LITTLE UNREALYSTIC
movol77 writes:
You can't be with the Vols and continually root against the coaching staff! If you think otherwise, you are DECEIVED!
movol77 writes:
BillyBobVol, if you are such a fan then why are there more exclamation marks against the coach than for the Vols?
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Yes, I agree. If he's projected as one of the top 3-15 LBs (sic), go for it.
He's already graduated, for pete's sake. Come back for what? Improving his draft position? A potential All-American year?
If you decide to stay for some reason, Jerod, find some way to get about $30M of insurance. You're one play away from never reaching the NFL.
reedt#304042 writes:
My gosh, go with the money. The Jason Allen story shows that you take a big chance to stay to "increase your stock" or "for the team." If the money is there, you can make a lot of mistakes and still be in a good position to learn from the mistakes if you are smart about it.
newtonrail writes:
If the money and draft status won't change, declare for draft. Coaches and the other filth spewed by some on this site have nothing to do with your decision.
oldorange writes:
The younger one is, the easier it is to jump on the take the money and run mentality, as we do live in a world of instant gratification. As one gets older one more fully undersands the memories of college are as important as when one gets the money. Since I do not know this mans situation I would not offer an uneducated opinion, the kids on here can take care of that. It is good to see Mayo making an effort to put one of the biggest decisions in his life in perspective.
murrayvol writes:
While it would be very nice to play for another SEC Championship next year, it would be even nicer to bank a few million in "guaranteed" money. If Mayo has that opportunity (and I think he will), it truly is a nobrainer.
Glenn Dorsey took a bad hit that he will recover from and do very well thank you. Mayo might not be so lucky. He plays football, not golf.
Good luck Jerod, with whatever decision you make.
mississippi_vol writes:
yal have no heart "take the money!" that's insane. what about playin for the orange? what about coming back for your senior year because your teammates need you? what about coming back because you owe it to tennessee (i. e. peyton manning). now unless his family needs the help or he has kids i think he should come back. we went to the SECCG this year with a bunch of freshman an sophomores. not to mention all of our injuries. we have a shot...
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Doldrums approaching.
TommyJack writes:
nafslov: Are you a racist?
utvols1 writes:
Who ever brought up the Jason Allen example is dead on. IF this team had a solid chance to achieve something great I'd be on all the "stay" bandwagon. However with Phil's world falling apart around him and the current state of affairs I'd reluctantly tell Jerod to take the cash. He's easily a 1st round (lower)pick.
ctownvol writes:
Track stars? Ranky Moss? Thug! And as for Terrible Owens? JWitten is faster than Terrible Owens! Track stars do not football players make. As far as Mayo. STAY!!!
JETnTN writes:
I know Jerod and his family and the money would be beyond anyone's wildest dream, however both his mother and stepfather have very good government jobs that require a high education. In this case it's not about getting his family out of a mediocre lifestyle. I talked to him last week and he still wasn't sure what he was going to do even based on what the draft analysist looks like. Good luck VOLS and lets win this one!!
route33 writes:
Mayo has accomplished every thing he can as a young man at UT. Its time for him to take care of himself and his family. I support his decision either way. Think about it Vol fans, what would you do if there was this much $$$$ out there for you? GO VOLS!! BEAT WISCONSIN!
waterskier3#226480 writes:
go mayo......go.... fulmer only cares about saving his butt and that's what you should do... look out for number uno... tn will lose 5 games next year as well so unless fla, and ga gets worse we have no chance... fulmer chokes against fla and ga just has his number... so go!!!!!!!!!!!! you've done everything the school has asked of you, get a degree, play hard so move on.
ctownvol writes:
UGA has Fulmers number? R u freaking kidding me? Check the record moron! UT is 11-5 against UGA under Fulmer. With the last two years being total blowouts! Florida, I'll give ya that one, but don't start with the bullpups. Waterskier? More like water head! IDIOT!
TommyJack writes:
nafslov: If Rogers really runs a quick 40, then he can help. I agree that he exhibited pitchfork hands at times..That's just lack of concentration and can be overcome. We shall have to see. It just seems you're on a crusade against the lad.
dbush#231136 writes:
Lots of Trolls posting on here. KNS outta do a little housecleaning. You know it really doesnt matter what anybody else would/should do; it only matters what J. Mayo wants to do. Would anyone say that Al Wilson made a mistake coming back for his senior season?? For every Jason Allen story, there's an Al Wilson or Peyton Manning one.
J Mayo will make the best decision for him and I will support it no matter what. He is and will always be a Volunteer! Go Vols. Trap the BADGERS!
utchampions writes:
I agree that he should go if he is a 1st round pick, but to use the Jason Allen example is dumb. Allen got hurt his senior year when he could have left the year before, and what because of his injury he got drafted oh... 16th overall. If you think that he would have been drafted higher his Junior year, you are wrong. The fact remains that the longer you are in school, the more publicity you recieve.
He should go if he gets a 1st round grade, but he could be a top ten pick if he comes back and does well (ie. Patrick Willis).
OldNumber7 writes:
Flyinpro, well said. Mississippi_Vol, you lack perspective. Mayo will likely also give back to UT if he's rollin in the dough.
ONUV writes:
who wants to stay around the Fultanic while they have a chance to leave?
glockjockey writes:
Take the money and run.Don't do like Caldwell and stay on a sinking ship.
utmdm writes:
To all you bama toejama's infiltrating these sites per Sporting News:
-Shreveport: The Grandaddy of Bad Bowl Games
-The original recipe for bowl disappointment, though, comes from Shreveport, La.
-a region officially ranked 45th in the bestseller Places You Really Totally Shouldn't See Before You Die
-the most a bowl-bound player can hope for in the way of entertainment is watching the river for dead cattle floating by in between attempts to sneak into the casinos
-Alabama shorted out toward the end of the season as John Parker Wilson disintegrated in an almost Chris Simms-esque fashion
-two .500 teams that finished the season on a flatline
-not-good teams that will add up to play what likely will be a not-good game
Congratuations on a well deserved destination reward for the Sabanite Hords.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
You know you can't help but like Wisconsin. Mayo's opponent in his (likely) last outing as a Vol.
Never a dull moment up north. They have given us Whitelightning (glazed hero), Hovsepian (thinks he's Jesus while burning a house) and now the piece dela resistance. Saying studded tires are ok for bicycles! They have 8-15 inches of snow and slick streets, 15* weather and riding bicycles with studded tires. In streets with snowplows and drivers with 17 Blatz under their belts. We're doomed.
cwisenhower#637741 writes:
I hated to see Meachem go, but he went 1st round. I would hate to see you go too Jerod, but if you're a top 3 LB, then hell....go. If you do indeed go, it was great watching you on Saturdays! If you stay, then this defense could be scary good next year. You do have it both ways, as long as the offense plays as well as the defense.
tnfanincali writes:
we all hope you stay but you gotta do whats best for you. i can't say what i would do in your position but there's something to be said about college football that you can't get in the pros (and vice versa..$$). i was born and raised watching TN football and would want to absorb every second of it that i could if i were in your cleats. you gotta ask yourself why you play the game i guess. is it all for the money??
Sheepscape writes:
Let me have a laugh or two when Corey "stone hands" Anderson announced he was returning for his senior year. The Vols haven't done squat this decade and our players at times seem to forget that. If Mayo wishes to go, then do so.
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