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Adam Davis interviews Jerod Mayo
Interviewed on: Saturday, June 9th, 2007 Adam Davis: Hey Jerod, thanks for talking with us. Could you tell us your height, weight, and 40 time? Jerod Mayo: 6-2, 242, 4.56. AD: Looking forward to most this year? JM: Just having a successful season. Working on staying healthy and focusing on a national championship. AD: Feel to be named to Nagurski list? JM: Feels real good. It's a compliment to the guys around me; the coaches, the tackles, Johnathan Hefney at safety, its a testament to all those guys.
AD: What goals have you set for yourself this season?
JM: Win alot of games, 13 to be exact. You know with that, we would be in the hunt for a national championship. I dont really set goals, I always think of the team first. But I'd like to be an All-American, and then be fortunate enough to have to make that decision on whether or not to move on to the next level. AD: Who’s gonna be the team to beat in the SEC? JM: I mean you have to be prepared every week to play. Florida is the defending champion, but we can't sleep on any team. Arkansas is going to be tough, Darren McFadden is a great player and they beat us pretty bad last year.
AD: What made you choose TENN? JM: Lots of guys from Virginia choose Virginia Tech. I wanted to come to the SEC, but not go too far from home. AD: Attributes made you so successful? JM: I think the scheme we run is an NFL scheme. We run the 4-3 just like the Eagles. It's really the same schemes, just different terminology. I feel comfortable off the edge and now moving inside to the middle. You really have to know 2 or 3 positions. I have faith I can play anywhere. AD: Workable schedule with 2 tough away SEC games. Looked at the schedule and mapped out where you might be in DEC? JM: I definitely have. Last year we felt like no team could beat us. Then Inky Johnson went down with an injury, Justin Harrell went down with an injury. This year we get to go out to CAL from there we have a smaller game then go to Florida. We have a senior QB and a lot of young receivers and I feel we are capable of winning. AD: Excited for the Cal game out west? JM: Oh it's real exciting. They are definietly ready for us. Last year we beat them pretty bad, I know they are ready. They have a good offense. I know we have been preparing hard; we are in the best shape of our lives and this has been the toughest off-season since I've been here. AD:
What are you looking to improve most about your game this season? JM: Getting off blocks. I think that is what every linebacker worries about. I'd like to rush the pass better. As of right now, I am in the best condition ever and looking to improve my playmaking. There were a couple of times last year, like against LSU were I played over 80 snaps, and with my conditioning I can go out and be pretty good. AD:
Faced a lot of great players in the SEC, who’s the best player you have gone against? JM:
Oh man, I have faced a lot of great players! I would probably say Darren McFadden on the offense. He is a great back with a great offensive line. As far as defensive, I would say Glenn Dorsey at LSU. I've seen him handle guys upfront. AD: Strengths? JM: I think rushing the passer. I feel I can make a lot of plays, I had 12.5 TFLs last year and missed 2 games. I can turn the tide of the game. AD: Weaknesses? JM:
I can always get faster. The SEC is all about speed. I'd like to improve pass coverage, but your game is never complete.
AD:
Outside of football? JM: I have a PS3 so I play that alot. I love video games. I have an X-Box and a 55 inch screen. I'm pretty into Tiger Woods until the new NCAA comes out. I'm a die hard Madden fan too. |