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April 26, 2008

Mayo checks in

Media members just took part in a conference call with the newest Patriot, Jerod Mayo, and I think I can say without hesitation that Mayo is excited -- he said so at least five times during the 13-minute call. And I would be too if I had been drafted by one of the best teams in the NFL led by one of the best coaches in league history.

The Virginia native said he was definitely surprised to get the phone call from Bill Belichick telling him that the Pats would select him at number 10.

"I'm excited to get up there. I had a great visit; the coaches and I sat down and talked for a long time," he said. "I'm just excited right now."

Belichick mentioned Mayo's versatility, and the 22-year old mentioned that he has played both inside and outside linebacker, and that Tennessee does use a 3-4 package at times. He played inside and outside in the 3-4 as well.

Mayo said he is looking forward to learning from some great players at his position -- "if I play inside, I'll learn from some of the best inside linebackers; if I play outside, I'll learn from some of the best outside linebackers" -- as well as Belichick, whom he called a Hall of Fame coach.

Growing up in Hampton, Virginia, Mayo followed the Redskins and then the Ravens, particularly because of their defense, but over the past few years, he said, he's watched a lot of Patriots games because of their defense.

Though he was the number 10 pick and will have a lot of expectations placed on him, Mayo just wants to contribute.

"I'm really confident (I can contribute), but a lot of people think 'contribute' means defensive rookie of the year. That is a goal of mine, but you can contribute on special teams -- that's one-third of the game."

(Somewhere Belichick and special teams coach Brad Seely are smiling.)

Mayo was doing yard work with his mother before he got the phone call from Belichick, but stopped after filling one bag of leaves. He sat down -- he mentioned a small cookout at the house as well -- and shortly thereafter learned he's headed for Foxboro.

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 5:44 PM | Permalink