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Mayo met his goal: got degree
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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.
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Posted by bigbluevol on January 9, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck Jerod! He got his degree, he played his heart out and he carried us down the stretch. He will be missed, but he embodies all that is right about being a Volunteer. I can't wait to follow his career in the NFL. He was a great for us.
Posted by jvol74 on January 9, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"they're were" ???
Posted by Volker on January 9, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck Jerod. I hope our guys next year will be able to play with the heart and spirit that you did throughout your career. I know that you will do well in the NFL. If not, you'll always have your degree to fall back on.
Godspeed Shane! It seems like that news doesn't really belong with the Mayo announcement but whatever.
Posted by jvol74 on January 9, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you mention the vague comment by mayo... he thanks some people... then you tell us coaches were there... implication? are you saying he didn't thank the coaches?
Posted by VOLstuckINky on January 9, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My 7 jersey gets retired again ... hope it can be pulled out soon.
Hope you go to the colts Mayo !
Posted by KnoxVol_in_TX on January 9, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jvol74 - my thoughts exactly! What a poorly written...whatever this is.
Posted by nikesportsfan on January 9, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think there is still a shot he come back, 2nd or 3rd round is low when you could be a 1st rounder. I won't believe he is fully gone until he has an agent. They can withdraw their names until Jan 15 I think.
Posted by bedmagic_23 on January 9, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me say this again and it will be my mantra to Fulmer haters until it changes. UT won a championship when Al Wilson came back as a senior and lead that team. These guys coming back and hopefully staying healthy is what wins National Championships. Does anyone even think LSU plays for the National Championship without Glenn Dorsey? How good would UT have been this year if Robert Meachem would have come back? Could we have been at least the SEC Champion if Robert Meachem is running that route that got picked instead of Quintin Hancock? I'll say it again. If we want to win National Championships we need our best junior players to come back and lead our teams. I don't knock Jerod at all, but Fulmer haters need to understand that Senior Leadership can not be understated at all. Usually these guys have limited classes left to take and can fully commit themselves to the task at hand. They are of course more physically and mentally prepared to dominate on the field. We need these guys to stay in order to win. The first year I believed this was when Stallworth left early and we desperately needed a deep threat that year. I definitely think we would have been in the two loss National Championship contender picture if Meachem would have come back as an even better player than his junior year. How close was that Florida game at the outset? They had a young safety that Michigan's deep threats exposed in their bowl game. Nick Saban's man coverage defense's weakest point is a deep threat. Stop hating on Fulmer and let's work as fans to make our juniors love UT like Dorsey love LSU that they would turn down being a top 10 pick to stay in school.
Posted by FWBVol on January 9, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What many of you don't realize is how the internet has changed journalism. Often a story is posted before an editor has a chance to give it a read. And many times, a shorter tease version of a story is first run online until a full story can be written for the print edition and then reposted online.
I would imagine, or hope, that Drew hasn't had much time to work on this story because he's chasing the coaching story.
Posted by DadwasaVol on January 9, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why do people care about the spelling or the grammar, or typos? Or if the only news is about other teams. I want to read about football and this site gives me that for nothing. Complainers everyday about this board - just go find another site! I had a bad meal at Shoney's so I am not going back. No-one at home, or in my neighborhood, wants to hear me complain about Shoney's anymore. Free country. Don't like the writing here? Then go away, it's that simple.
Posted by InBruceWeTrust on January 9, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OCT171972, so you wouldn't take the money when you have a chance to hurt yourself your senior year and never be able to play the game again and have to be forced into another job rather then football.
Posted by ncvol17 on January 9, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey minimum pay in the NFL is about 300K. That's for the worst player on the team. How many reading this site make 300K in 3 yrs not 1 yr. If he does well, he's a millionaire. he was smart enough to graduate so he shouldn't end up on the scrap heap like Dale Carter or Travis Henry will/have.
Posted by pixmonks on January 9, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OCT171972
The kid has a degree. He can do what he wants.
***ATTENTION TO ALL INCOMING PLAYERS***
Disregard previous message addressed to you. As if any players read these largely moronic message boards.
Posted by budrhon on January 9, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OCT171... it's called opportunity. Same reason Cutcliffe & Troop left, same reason new Coaches come. Good point InBruce. The man has his degree and feels he is ready to embark on "his" career.
Posted by GerryOP on January 9, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Go forth and do well Jerod! Thanks for playing Tennessee football. God bless and God speed. Be well...
Posted by FWBVol on January 9, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know this isn't an orginal thought, but hind sight is always 20/20.
I talked to Heath Shuler just after he was forced to retire from the NFL because his injuries. Heath told me if he had known what the future held when he left UT after his junior year, he would have stayed in school.
Jerry Colquitt, a redshirt senior, who started the 2004 season at quarterback, was injured in the first quarter of the first game against UCLA, there's nothing that said the same thing couldn't have happened to Shuler, or, in this case might happen to Mayo if he returned for his senior year.
I applaud Jerod for staying the course and getting that degree. He stayed at UT four years and he owes us fans nothing.
We will be OK at LB, and Mayo should be making a fair payday in the NFL whatever round he's drafted in.
Posted by Plasticman on January 9, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
College is fun but the NFL is a business. I can't argue with Mayo leaving since he has his degree other than he is costing himself mega bucks in the short term if he does not go in the first round, which I think he would after next year. If he stays healthy in the NFL, he'll make the money up in 3-4 years. If he gets hurt and can't play, he may be sorry he left early to be a 3rd rounder.
Best of luck to him...
Posted by volntx on January 9, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey OCT... He put in his 4 years,redshirt,got a degree and is going to make big money. Sure we need him but good luck to him in the NFL.
Posted by vol52 on January 9, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck Jerod!
Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on January 9, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good lord, I can't believe this OCT guy said that?
Dude, are you saying that you don't want any blue chip players to come to UT if there is a chance they'll leave early for the NFL?
Now THAT'S being happy with mediocrity! I'd take EVERY BLUE CHIPPER WE COULD regardless and milk them for what they are worth while they're here!
LMAO!!!!!
Posted by vtvol on January 9, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You proved all that you could out on the field. You've earned your degree. While it would have been nice to have your play and leadership in next year's nasty defense, you should grab the Sunday money while you are healthy and at the top of your game. Go make millions as you continue the tradition of great Vol LBs turned pro. I will be rooting for you.
Posted by vtvol on January 9, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OCT, you are a complete moron! You're not a Gator fan masquerading as a Vol imposter are you?
Posted by KnoxVol_in_TX on January 9, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dadwasavol...get over it. It bothers some of us that these articles are so poorly put together.
Besides, the earlier posts were made when this was a teaser article, and corrections have been made.
With a little motivation from the readers, these articles become a little more readable.
Posted by mparker on January 9, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FWBVOL:
I always felt so bad for Jerry. I think he would have had a good season. Wasn't that when Todd Helton stepped in, then Peyton and Brandon???
Talk about talent (okay, Helton stunk as a QB, but still he was a talent).
Posted by JETnTN on January 9, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey OCT.....that mean you want Berry to leave now??? He's a 3 and out guy wouldn't you imagine????? Good luck Jerod...once he gets to the combine and they see the drive he has and what kind of person he is, his stock will drastically increase!!
Posted by TommyJack on January 10, 2008 at 1:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DadwasaVol: Are you serious? You don't care about spelling or grammar? You want the board dumbed down? That's weird thinking, dude. We can discuss football without being Moe-rons. Your Dad was a vol. Are YOU from Alabubba?
Posted by andy112382 on January 10, 2008 at 2:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wonder if Gerald Williams can make a fast impact at LB, finally getting to come play for the Vols. Scout.com calls him a tackling machine, and at 6'4" 240lbs, he certainly could prove to be a hard hitting stopper. Just glad he finally gets to come to Tennessee, what is he, like 22 years old now???
Posted by pdhuff on January 10, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TJ, if you go away,are you taking the fritter recipe?
Any talent such as Mallet, Mayo's etc... are welcome. Few teams have ever said they had too much talent save some Gator fans. That's their right. Seen a few of their squads that were close to too much talent.
Send us a few d-linemen. Things will change then. Good B-ball outing vs Rebels. Pearl could use a few d-linemen type under the basket.
Posted by invisiblekid on January 10, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayo is a smart kid, football eventually goes away but he will always have the education. Hope he has a great combine and makes it into the first round.
Posted by kb7398 on January 10, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sad to see him go, but getting his degree is a big thing and he's probably got a lot of stock built up in the draft...especially if he wows the scouts in individual workouts, which he should. Good luck Jerod and thanks for the contribution to the program's history!
Posted by jevolball7 on January 10, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DADWASAVOL,you actually EAT at Shoneys?? Hope you have good health coverage and a good disguise.P...UU..KK..EE!!lol
Posted by calivol on January 11, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm glad you guys have already called out OCT for his idiotic rant. I have plenty of things to say, but all the reasonable fans on here already took care of it. OCT, I notice you don't post on his site very often. Let's try to keep it that way in the future, big guy.
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