Jerod Mayo has his sights set on a pro football career. (Photo by Danny Parker)

Word around campus is that Tennessee junior linebacker Jerod Mayo has decided to forgo his senior year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.

Mayo, who has been in Knoxville for four years already after redshirting his first season on the Hill, reportedly received a draft grade that would have him selected in the second or third round.

I remember when athletes wouldn't even think of leaving college unless they were going to be taken at the top of the first round. Now guys are deciding to head onto the pros if they are just sure that they'll be drafted. It seems ridiculous to me because no pro atmosphere can quite approach that of Neyland Stadium, the Big House, The Swamp or any of a long list of outstanding venues. It's just not the same.

Then again, it's hard to tell a college kid that's not allowed to accept or earn money that he or she is being selfish for bolting for the millions. I knew when former Vol receiver Robert Meachem looked into his daughter's eyes after his last game in Knoxville that he wouldn't be back. He was taken in the first round by the Saints last April.

Peyton Manning and his family weren't exactly hurting for money when he surprisingly chose to return for his fourth season.

Truth be told, there's a flip side to every coin and there is no correct answer.

Now tailback Arian Foster has a decision to make as well, grading out somewhere close to Mayo.