When it comes to grades, Chavis tough on Mayo

Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo has 93 tackles this season.

At least officially.

According to defensive coordinator John Chavis, that total should be significantly higher.

“Mayo would be embarrassed for me saying this,” Chavis said, “but several road games his tackle numbers were that high or higher.

“But when I grade film, I grade tougher than anyone else. There were several games that I had him anywhere from five, seven, eight tackles from where the press box had him.”

For what it’s worth, Mayo agrees.

“I have been shorted on the road,” Mayo said. “But at the same time, I just want to win games. You can give me as many tackles as you want if we keep winning.”

Mayo had a season-high 16 tackles last week against Vanderbilt, and has reached double figures in three of the last five games.

Mayo was credited with 10 tackles at Cal, six tackles at Florida, four at Mississippi State and 11 at Alabama.

“The Mississippi State game, I got shorted about eight tackles,” said Mayo, whose 93 tackles lead the team and rank sixth in the SEC. “It’s been quite a few games on the road that I was shorted tackles. As long as we come out with the ‘W’ it doesn’t matter.”

Chavis mentioned UT’s road jerseys — the ever-tough to spot orange numbers on white jerseys — as a possible reason.

Statistics are kept and charted by stat crews provided by the home team.

Last Tackle: Tennessee held the traditional “Last Tackle” on Thursday as the Vols wrapped up practice for Saturday’s last regular season game against Kentucky.

But before UT’s 23 seniors got a crack at the tackling dummy dressed in a Kentucky uniform, UT’s coaches had a little fun.

Wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor and another UT assistant donned helmets to play lead blocker — taking out the tackling dummy in the process.

Then offensive line coach Greg Adkins leapt over the pile and landed on the mat before being piled on by UT’s linemen.

A few minutes later, UT’s seniors got their chance, although without some of the creative antics of years past.

“It’s been happening a long time, before I became the coach,” UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. “It’s another way to honor the seniors.

“It’s a big moment for the seniors and a great moment for us as well.”

Nickel, Not Dime: Tennessee’s dime package on defense has become a nickel.

Instead of using six defensive backs in the dime package, injuries in the secondary have forced UT to use a five-defensive back, or nickel, package.

In that alignment, UT has kept an extra linebacker on the field in those situations for pass coverage.

Against Kentucky’s pass offense, statistically the SEC’s best at 268.6 yards per game, the Vols would have typically run a lot of dime coverage.

“We’re not where we need to because of numbers,” Chavis said. “But our guys understand what we need to do. You get real concerned about being able to play a lot of man because of the matchups on slot receivers.”

Biggie Smarts: Tennessee’s big front line has some pretty big brains, according to quarterback Erik Ainge.

Ainge praised his offensive line’s toughness — and intelligence.

“Those guys are as tough as anybody,” Ainge said. “They’re really smart. I think that’s the biggest thing. They don’t always get a lot of credit for it, but (it’s) definitely the smartest offensive line since I’ve been here.

“They’re able to comprehend things, fix things themselves,” “It’s amazing what we’re able to do from a game plan standpoint.”

Just Fine, Josh: Tennessee wide receiver Josh Briscoe was shaken up during Thursday’s practice when he collided with a teammate during 11-on-11 work.

Briscoe spent a few moments on the turf inside the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center before getting up and returning to practice.

“He’s fine,” Fulmer said. “He basically said, ‘I’m all right. How are the fans taking it?’”

Injury Report: Fulmer said the Vols have no new injuries and everyone should be available.

“How limited a couple guys will be, I don’t know,” Fulmer said. “But they will be available.”

Defensive tackle Demonte’ Bolden (toe) missed some practice time this week, but is expected to play against the Wildcats.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.