Talented player who adds depth as the backup at the weak-side linebacker position ...Worked hard and showed terrific potential ... Saw playing time last season as one of five true freshmen ... Also will be used extensively on special teams ... Athletic Director's Honor Roll ... Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll ... 2006 (Fr.): Played in 10 games ... Participated in 128 total snaps, including eight on defense and 120 on special teams ... Recorded one tackle on the season against Marshall (11/25) ... Prep: Three-year starter for Coach Ed Stanley at Meridian ... Finished with 96 tackles (52 solo, 44 assists) ... Also had 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, 10 pass breakups, three quarterback knockdowns, four forced fumbles and one fumble recoveries, which was returned for a touchdown ... Second Team All-State by The Clarion-Ledger ... All-Region 3-5A ... Team finished 11-4 and won the South State title as a senior ... Team also had a combined record of 17-7-1 during his sophomore and junior seasons, advancing to the second round of the playoffs both years ... A two-star rating by rivals.com ... All-Southeast Region by Prep-Star ... Named to the Mississippi Top 30 preseason by rivals.com ... Also lettered for three years in track and field ... Named All-State in track and field ... National Honor Society ... Chose Southern Miss over Jackson State and Mississippi State ... Personal: Son of Joseph and Angela Mayes ... Majoring in architectural engineering technology ... Born Oct. 23, 1987.