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Wilson's goal to become Mayo's clone

Middle linebacker prepares to take over starting role

By Drew Edwards (Contact)
Originally published 09:59 p.m., April 16, 2008
Updated 09:59 p.m., April 16, 2008

Wilson

Wilson

Ellix Wilson doesn't have to look too far to find an example of what he wants to be as a linebacker.

Last year, it was just one spot up the depth chart.

Wilson, who figures to be Tennessee's starting middle linebacker this fall, simply wants to play like Jerod Mayo.

"I want to be like Jerod and get where he's at right now," Wilson says.

Mayo, a frequent visitor at spring practices and scrimmages, is a likely first-round NFL draft pick on April 26. His size and speed made him a versatile player for UT, where he started both at weakside linebacker and middle linebacker.

The 5-foot-10, 225-pound Wilson is smaller than Mayo, and he's yet to wow NFL scouts and general managers the way Mayo has.

But the two have a common thread in their versatility.

During the SEC championship game against LSU in December, Wilson stepped in at outside linebacker when Ryan Karl went down with an elbow injury.

"He played a good part of the championship game at our outside linebacker (position)," defensive coordinator and linebackers coach John Chavis said. "He did a great job for us outside."

A month later in the Outback Bowl, he did an equally good job at middle linebacker

With outside linebacker Rico McCoy unable to play because of academics, Mayo moved outside and Wilson stepped in to record six tackles in his first career start.

And while he might not have Mayo's experience, he's made his presence felt on the field.

For his career, Wilson has played in 26 games including all 14 last season. In 2007, he finished with 30 tackles, including five for a loss and three sacks.

That experience helps make the transition smoother, Chavis said.

"You'd like to have guys who have played, even if they haven't started," Chavis said. "He's done that for us at several positions. It was good to get that start under his belt."

For Tennessee, it's also good to have a proven player step into a starting role.

"In my opinion, he's just like a Mayo back there," says defensive tackle Dan Williams. "He can make the same kind of plays, and he hustles after the ball from sideline to sideline. Sometimes he even comes and helps get a block off me. He comes downhill, and I appreciate it."

Vols fans might just wind up appreciating Wilson this season.

With Mayo and strongside linebacker Ryan Karl gone, the Vols will have two new starters at linebacker.

Adam Myers-White and Nevin McKenzie will battle for Karl's old spot, but there's never been a doubt that Wilson would fill the void at middle linebacker.

While there's not a wealth of starting experience at linebacker outside of McCoy, there is talent.

"I think we have a great group of guys," Wilson says. "I think we might be a little faster. The experience might not be all there, but it's something we've got to work on."

This spring, Wilson has been working full-time with the first team defense. And Williams, a fellow Memphis native and one of Wilson's best friends off the field, has come to appreciate his contributions.

"He's an unselfish player. He has a nose for the ball, he really does," Williams said. "Sometimes we're watching film, and I think, 'How the hell does he get over there?' He can run through, around and get to the ball carrier. He has natural instincts."

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

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       29 Comments

Posted by VolPride_13 on April 16, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was kinda hopin' that Chris Donald would start (I know it was a long shot to begin with!!!), but Ellix is a wonderful player!!

Posted by drakosben1 on April 16, 2008 at 11:06 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by GIVEHIMSIX on April 16, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

drakosben,

thanks for turning this into a political conversation. if i want to hear someone tell me what to think and who to vote for, i can go to cnn. i come to this site to read about football.

wilson should be fine. he won't wow you with mayo type stats, but he's very underrated. as usual, i trust chavis to put a quality lb unit on the field just like every other year.

Posted by dburgVol on April 16, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen, drakosben1, Hillary and Obama aren't getting my guns, or banning my assault rifles. Aren't you glad that athletics aren't looked at through their eyes. If it were, there would be no championships because somebody's feelings would get hurt and we would all have to celebrate mediocrity. Affirmative action would mean that Vandy and other bottom-dwellers would have to be spotted points so that they can compete. Anyways, go Ellix! Hats off to you for sticking it out and always playing tough. Nice to have a loyal player work his way up and earn his right to run through the T.

Posted by objk1 on April 16, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First round draft picks win national championships.

Posted by cjraney on April 16, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There I was, expecting to read some comments about the potential of our linebacking corps when, all of a sudden, I find out I'm someone's guinea pig and "they" are coming to seize all of my firearms...........uh, dang.

Posted by objk1 on April 16, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The guys under them know the work that is put into being a first rounder. Makes everyone better.

Posted by dburgVol on April 17, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't worry cjraney. I've got plenty of ammo for the both of us. I don't usually get off topic but I couldnt help myself.

Posted by bamacheats on April 17, 2008 at 12:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was hoping Derrick Brooks would start at MLB.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on April 17, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wasn't Gerald Williams supposed to play LB or is that on the line?

He is about 22 or 23 now so he should be able to step right in. Is there any news on that front?

Posted by newtonrail on April 17, 2008 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gerald Williams, if he really gets here, is listed as LB, but in his aborted 1 week stay a couple of years ago; he played DE. dburgVol, I'll stay out of the Presidential deal. But I am a '67 Grad of ole UT, and never did any pot, hashish, or did the things Height Ash bury is famous for. Just a redneck Southern Jack Daniels boy.

Posted by 1VOLDTFAN on April 17, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ellix Wilson will only be as good as the CAPTAIN DAN WILLIAMS is and that is amazing, so get a taste of the defensive tackles that we were use to in the Past.

Posted by pdhuff on April 17, 2008 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

newtonrail - true I have bibbed overalls and Maker's Mark, two dogs and a cat. Several fowling pieces and a love for the Vols.

And great linebacking.

Very, very troubled by $4.00 gas. Believe in free enterprise but not purchasing with a Desert Eagle to my head. Or supporting the Royal Family of Saudi's or wasting money in Israel. Might help Dupree first. Thank God, someone hasn't figured out how to sell air, we'd be holding our breath.

On to UCLA. Must get thru the doldrums, 1st.

Posted by sjt18 on April 17, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff, Adams says that Fulmer caused high fuel prices... and caused the gas shortages of the 70's too.

Because CPF didn't control the UT football program sufficiently, a couple of players have gone on to set prices for the Big 7... thus, he should be fired forthwith.

Posted by orangebloodgmc on April 17, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Linebacking ... I too look forward to seeing Chris Donald on the field. And Savion Frazier? And what about Austin Johnson; I guess its too early to know if he'll stay at fullback or linebacker?

Posted by HotlantaVol on April 17, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The speed and open field tackling ability in our linebackers are even more key than previous years due to a couple of things:
1. Questionable D-Line means LBs have to cover entire width of field.
2. Spread offense popularity means LBs have to cover entire width of field.
3. Top notch secondary means offenses won't try to beat us with the pass. Somehow this probably translates into LBs having to cover the entire width of the field.

Posted by Ironcity on April 17, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wilson was stronger on the blitz then Mayo last year. I hope that continues. When watching him he looked more natural at MLB postion then Mayo. My concern is him getting run over and his ability to cover.

Posted by johnlg00 on April 17, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe it's just the orange kool-aid talking, but I think the defense should be better next year. The tackles surely will be at least no worse than last year while the ends should be better. Mayo is a big loss at LB, but we have replacements with talent and experience. The secondary should be much better. Of course, the offense and special teams also have a lot to do with how effective the defense is, but the cupboard isn't bare there, either. We could have a better team next year, but still have a worse record if the close games go the other way. I would be astonished if anyone beats us the way Florida and Alabama did last year. Of course, I have been astonished that way before(;-P)! For now at least, hope springs eternal in this Big Orange heart!

Posted by cmoore7 on April 17, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ellix played a lot towards the end of the season last year and played "lights out" when he did. I "think" we got rings the last time our middle linebacker was from west Tennessee and had "Wilson" on the back of his jersey.

Posted by 1974Vol on April 17, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

johnlgoo - No kool-aid necessary. Out of the chute this "D" will be miles ahead of the one that got punked by Cali & the Gators last Sept. Most of the same guys, just older and more experienced. As you say though better D doesn't necessarily translate into a better record. This coming season rides on O line and QB play even more than most years. If we can get a good and consistent run game going (read can pick up 3rd and 1 or 2 at will) and JC doesn't go "'05 LSU Eric Ainge" on us they will be in every game. How many they're ahead in when the clock goes double oughts is anyone's guess. If they can pull out a win at UCLA and go into conference play with some confidence and a little swagger that could be the difference between playing for a championship and going 8-4 and Peach Bowl bound. Hey that's why they play the games, cause no one really knows who will be good week to week.

Posted by Greyback_Vol on April 17, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, with the experience in the secondary and what seems to be an improving d-line, surely the defense will be much improved from last year. Hopefully some of the success UT had on special teams toward the last half of 2007 will continue into the 1st half of this year. It always bothers me when the coaching staff makes a change on special teams midway through the season only to see a playmaker emerge, like what happened the past two seasons with Dennis Rogan and Jon Hefney. Why can't we get our athletes on the field sooner than the halfway point????

Posted by Vol13 on April 17, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gerald Williams couldn't spell cat if you spotted him all three letters and arranged the first two correctly. He'll be at DE and they'll just tell him to line up and run at the QB. Think Willie Williams without all the off the field problems. I would be shocked if he even gets in school.

Posted by TommyJack on April 17, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

13: Kinda cold, man.

Posted by invisiblekid on April 17, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks guys, you have ruined one of my escapes from the real world with all the political BS and reminding me I just dropped 65$ to fill my truck up with that liquid gold. Just kidding, Wilson has some BIG shoes to fill to take over for Mayo. What Mayo did the second half of the season was very impressive. I was hoping they would leave Austin Johnson at LB because I think he has the potential to be a good MLB, decent speed with good instincts and fundamentals. However, with the depth chart being what it is, at least he'll get some playing time at FB.

On that note, I'll go Pennington on you with a quote from Eddie Vedder:
"When the gas in my tank feels like money in the bank".

Posted by pdhuff on April 17, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ, Dupree finished 5th in arithmetic one year with only 3 in his class. Still got a ribbon.

Said 7th grade was the best 3 years of his life.

Doldrums all over Boerne, I bet.

Posted by TommyJack on April 17, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Doldrums abound. Will be out0town for a few. Keep it between the ditches.

Posted by sjt18 on April 18, 2008 at 3:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol13, Know Williams personally do you?

He was the best MLB in JUCO last year. It seems he might have figured out how to play that position at some point.

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