Wilson's goal to become Mayo's clone

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.
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