BIO: Junior College transfer who made an immediate impact upon arriving at Tennessee. Senior totals were 35/8/2 after 42/18.5/5 the prior year.
POSITIVES: Hard-working one-gap tackle who plays with a nasty attitude. Explodes off the snap, plays with good pad level and displays solid hand technique protecting himself. Fires up the field between gaps, flashes on the scene and has a burst of closing speed. Stays with the action and plays injured.
NEGATIVES: Plays on a straight line, loses balance when he changes direction and is a marginal pass rusher. First-move lineman who cannot shed blocks once engaged at the point.
ANALYSIS: Built low to the ground, Mahelona's combination of explosion and leverage gives him an advantage at the next level. Best suited to a system where he is able to slant or shoot through the holes.