SportsTalk’s Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson chatted with former Tennessee defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona on the radio this afternoon. Mahelona, who is projected to be a second- or third-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, is cooking three pigs (one in an underground oven, one on a spit over an open fire, and one in a smoker . . . mmmm), a cow (I’d like to see a cow on a spit), and a bunch of fish to commemorate the event. Nothing says party like roast hog.

Audio is courtesy of Sportsanimal99.com, which has more excellent interviews, including those of defensive end Parys Haralson and offensive linemen Rob Smith, Cody Douglas, and Albert Toeaina.

Here’s a list of former Volunteers and where they’re projected to fall in this weekend’s draft:

• First Round. Cornerback/safety Jason Allen. I’ve been getting a lot of hits from NFL fans looking for information on Allen. He’ll be a solid player at the next level, and although there have been rumors that he’s failed some physicals, all of the hard information I’ve seen is that his injury wasn’t as severe as feared and that he has made a full recovery. Check out the Jason Allen category for more.
• Third Round. Defensive end Parys Haralson and defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona.
• Rounds Four and/or Five. Linebacker Omar Gaither, defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, offensive lineman Rob Smith, and running back Gerald Riggs.
• Others. Offensive linemen Albert Toeaina and Cody Douglas, wide receivers Chris Hannon and C.J. Fayton, linebackers Kevin Simon and Jason Mitchell, and defensive end Jason Hall.

Tennessee Volunteer defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, who announced Wednesday night that he would return for his senior season and was sued on Thursday by the UT student he assaulted a year ago during a pick-up basketball game, has changed his mind and will now turn pro.

GoVolsXtra.com (subscription required) is reporting this morning that:

• Tennessee Volunteer defensive tackle Tony McDaniel has been sued by Deshaun Goodrich, the UT student that McDaniel punched a year ago during a pick-up basketball game, breaking four bones in his face. Goodrich is seeking $800,000.
• Running back Arian Foster’s recovery from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee is on schedule. The report is that Foster will probably miss spring practice but should be 100 percent in time for summer workouts.
• Former quarterback Rick Clausen has accepted UT”s offer to become a grad assistant.
  

Defensive Tackle Tony McDaniel explains his decision to return as a Tennessee Volunteer next year rather than make himself available for the NFL draft:

I thought about leaving, but I always wanted to come back and help my team. Coach Fulmer and Coach Brooks are like my daddies, so I’m going to help them any way I can.

* * * *

I’m going to come back and be a leader.

* * * *

(Regarding the fallout from being charged with aggravated assault after breaking the jaw of a UT student during a pick up basketball game last year,) My teammates were behind me 100 percent, making sure I kept my head up, making sure I was working out and making sure I was doing my school work. We’ve got a lot of love for each other. Those guys are like my brothers. I knew I had to stick it out and finish my last year here.

It’s official: Offensive tackle Arron Sears, fullback Cory Anderson, and defensive tackles Turk McBride, Tony McDaniel, and Justin Harrell are returning for their senior seasons. Only offensive guard Rob Smith is declaring for the NFL.

GoVolsXtra.com (subscription required) is reporting that Arron Sears is expected to announce his decision to return to the Tennessee Volunteer football team next season rather than declare for the NFL draft.

During tonight’s media opportunity, Justin Harrell, Turk McBride, Tony McDaniel, and Cory Anderson are also expected to discuss their decisions to forego the NFL and return as Volunteers next season.