Shortly before Jerod Mayo announced his decision to leave Tennessee on Wednesday, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker read over a sheet listing his stats and accomplishments during his college career.

In the end, though, it was another piece of paper that made the junior feel comfortable to forgo his final year of eligibility for the NFL.

“At the end of the day, my main goal was to get my degree,” said Mayo, who redshirted in 2004 and graduated last month with a degree in sport management. “I have that piece of paper, and nobody can take that away from me. I have my degree, and I’m ready to start a new chapter.”

That will begin shortly, as Mayo decides on an agent and where he’ll prepare for the NFL draft in April.

So will the process to replace him, as well as others who might be leaving.

All-SEC offensive lineman Anthony Parker, punter Britton Colquitt and running back Arian Foster have also submitted paperwork to receive grades from the committee.

UT has a scheduled a press conference for Thursday for some of those players to announce their intentions.

Mayo’s departure means Tennessee must find two new starters at linebacker for next season.

“That’ll be difficult,” UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. “No question it will be difficult. He’s a leader, a passionate player, great off the edge, really, really good in the middle. It will be very difficult.”

Junior Ellix Wilson figures to take over for Mayo at middle linebacker, while junior Adam Myers-White or sophomore Dorian Davis will likely take over for senior Ryan Karl at outside linebacker alongside sophomore starter Rico McCoy.

Whoever fills his spot in the lineup, Mayo is confident there won’t be much drop-off.

“Ellix Wilson, Adam Myers-White, Rico McCoy ... all those guys have the talent to be first-team All-SEC-type players,” Mayo said. “I have the ultimate confidence in (defensive coordiantor John) Chavis and his staff to develop those players to become great linebackers in this league.”

That’s a plateau Mayo has reached.

His 140 tackles this season — his first at middle linebacker after starting at weakside linebacker in 2006 — led the SEC and helped earn him first-team All-SEC honors from conference coaches and the Associated Press.

Projected by some analysts as a potential first-round selection, the NFL’s college advisory committee graded Mayo as a likely second- or third-round pick.

“Initially I was disappointed, but after they explained the grade to me and how the grades are done, it pretty much calmed me down a little bit,” Mayo said. “At the end of the day, I feel like if I test well and really go out and study my film, I’ll move up.”

That’s how Chavis — UT defensive coordinator and linebackers coach — feels, too.

“Man, he’s come a long ways, but this is what the college experience as an athlete is all about,” said Chavis, who attended Wednesday’s press conference along with defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell and defensive backs coach Larry Slade, as well as defensive end Robert Ayers, former defensive back Inky Johnson and Parker. “I think the proof’s in the pudding. I wish him well, and he will do well. There’s no doubt about that.”

Mayo even got some advice from two former Vols — running back Jamal Lewis and linebacker Al Wilson — who each has gone on to an successful NFL career.

“It definitely helped, because those guys went through the same situation,” Mayo said. “Jamal Lewis, he came out early and Al Wilson came back. So I had that view from both sides. It really helped.”

Mayo also spoke with Fulmer and Chavis about his decision, and both expressed confidence that Mayo made his decision based on good information.

“You just try to tell them as much about the process,” Fulmer said. “Everybody has their reasons or their agenda, especially when you get into the world of agents who have considerable financial gains to gain. You would hope they’re listening to the right people. I think he’s done it the right way.”

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

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.