Tennessee LB Mayo to turn pro
editor1 |Jan 09,2008
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KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Tennessee linebacker Jerod
Mayo will give up his senior season to enter the NFL draft, The
Tennessean reported Wednesday.
The leader of Tennessee's defense, Mayo paced the Southeastern
Conference in tackles in 2007 with 140 while starting all 13
games for the Volunteers. He also recorded 8 1/2 tackles for
losses, 1 1/2 sacks and an interception.
According to the newspaper, Mayo is projected as a second- or
third-round pick in the draft.
"My experience here at Tennessee has been a roller coaster ride
but I wouldn't change anything," he said. "The coaching staff
has been behind me 100 percent."
Mayo, who already has his degree from Tennessee, was
particularly dominant down the stretch, averaging 15 1/2 tackles
in the Volunteers' last four regular-season games.
His best performance was a 19-tackle effort in Tennessee's 52-50
four-overtime victory over Kentucky that clinched the SEC's
East Divisin title.
"I feel like I'm in a blessed and fortunate situation to be able
to make this decision," Mayo added. "I have my degree from UT,
and that was important to my family, first and foremost."
Tennessee dropped to 4-3 after a 41-17 loss at Alabama, but the
Volunteers won their final five games to capture the SEC East.
Tennessee lost to eventual national champion Louisiana State,
21-14, in the SEC title game but rebounded to defeat Wisconsin,
21-17, in the Outback Bowl.
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