Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo will forgo his final season of eligibility to enter April’s NFL draft and will make it official at a press conference on Wednesday.

Mayo will address the media at 2 p.m. in the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.

A source told the News Sentinel on Monday that Mayo, who graduated last month with a degree in sport management, would likely turn pro after receiving a late second- to third-round grade from the NFL's college advisory committee.

Before making his decision, Mayo consulted with defensive coordinator John Chavis and coach Phillip Fulmer.

Mayo led the SEC with 140 total tackles this season, earning All-SEC honors in the process.

A two-year starter, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound native of Hampton, Va., recorded 28 tackles in his final two games for the Vols against LSU in the SEC championship game and in the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin.

After recording 127 tackles and five sacks last season as an outside linebacker, Mayo moved to middle linebacker this season to replace Marvin Mitchell, who was drafted in the seventh round by the New Orleans Saints in last year's draft.

Mayo's departure leaves Tennessee with two starting linebacker spots to fill heading into next season. Junior Ellix Wilson, who started at middle linebacker against Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl with sophomore Rico McCoy academically ineligible, is a likely candidate to start next season.

The Vols will also need a replacement for senior outside linebacker Ryan Karl.