PonyExpress
In the Starting Line-Up
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2006
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FWIW...
After interrogating some Vol fans, here are my impressions...
Many Vol fans felt, before the draft, that Mayo was the best Lb to ever play at Tennessee. Others believe it was Wilson, but feel Wilson was surrounded by better talent and a better D-line on the way to the National Title in 98, and that Mayo is a more gifted athlete. Also Mayo has already established himself as an elite player as a junior, whereas the season that made Wilson a legend came as a senior with an additional year of experiece... who knows what Mayo could have accomplished, barring injury as a senior. Wilson was also believed by some to have been an even better leader [understandable on a national title team], though Mayo is no slouch in that regard.
Vol fans believe Mayo was the best LB in the SEC in 2007. He started off slowly adjusting to his new position through 5 weeks. Over the last half of the season he became a total monster.
Tennessee did not have a strong D-line, which hurt Mayo's production a bit.
He is a sure tackler, an explosive hitter, possesses great instincts, is always around the ball. His coverage ability is very good. He is a leader and beloved by the fan base.
There is some dispute about whether Mayo actually called the defensive plays prior to his final bowl game.
Negatives about Mayo: the feeling is common that he is better suited to 4-3 WOLB than ILB in the 3-4, but that he could do both well. The preference for the 4-3 is due to his athleticism and perceived size deficiencies. Many Vol fans seem under the impression that Mayo was playing at around 230. Mayo contradicted this on WEEI, stating he was 245 lbs prior to his junior season. His listed weight was 230. Who really knows? He looks rangy enough to gain weight, if needed.
Durability may be another concern, but the same can be said about any player.
Mayo struggled fighting off blocks until about 5 games left in his junior season, when he improved dramatically.
That was it as far as negatives. Leadership, athleticism, instincts, smarts: impeccable.
The general expectation is that Mayo will at worst be a very productive LB and team leader, and possibly a superstar within a couple years.
After interrogating some Vol fans, here are my impressions...
Many Vol fans felt, before the draft, that Mayo was the best Lb to ever play at Tennessee. Others believe it was Wilson, but feel Wilson was surrounded by better talent and a better D-line on the way to the National Title in 98, and that Mayo is a more gifted athlete. Also Mayo has already established himself as an elite player as a junior, whereas the season that made Wilson a legend came as a senior with an additional year of experiece... who knows what Mayo could have accomplished, barring injury as a senior. Wilson was also believed by some to have been an even better leader [understandable on a national title team], though Mayo is no slouch in that regard.
Vol fans believe Mayo was the best LB in the SEC in 2007. He started off slowly adjusting to his new position through 5 weeks. Over the last half of the season he became a total monster.
Tennessee did not have a strong D-line, which hurt Mayo's production a bit.
He is a sure tackler, an explosive hitter, possesses great instincts, is always around the ball. His coverage ability is very good. He is a leader and beloved by the fan base.
There is some dispute about whether Mayo actually called the defensive plays prior to his final bowl game.
Negatives about Mayo: the feeling is common that he is better suited to 4-3 WOLB than ILB in the 3-4, but that he could do both well. The preference for the 4-3 is due to his athleticism and perceived size deficiencies. Many Vol fans seem under the impression that Mayo was playing at around 230. Mayo contradicted this on WEEI, stating he was 245 lbs prior to his junior season. His listed weight was 230. Who really knows? He looks rangy enough to gain weight, if needed.
Durability may be another concern, but the same can be said about any player.
Mayo struggled fighting off blocks until about 5 games left in his junior season, when he improved dramatically.
That was it as far as negatives. Leadership, athleticism, instincts, smarts: impeccable.
The general expectation is that Mayo will at worst be a very productive LB and team leader, and possibly a superstar within a couple years.
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