Tennessee safety Jason Allen found added motivation watching game tape in preparation for last Saturday's game against South Carolina.

It was a reminder of where he had been, and how far he has come in the past year.

"It hurt watching film from last year's game with them, knowing I was on the sidelines and not playing much at that time,'' said Allen, a junior from Muscle Shoals, Ala. "That really bothered me.''

Allen responded by really bothering the South Carolina offense, matching his career-high with 15 tackles and taking over the SEC lead with 83 tackles. By his estimation, Allen played nearly 100 snaps in the 43-29 victory over the Gamecocks: all 86 on defense, and about a dozen more on special teams.

Allen figures to be instrumental in Saturday's game against Notre Dame, as he'll likely draw some coverage assignments against the Irish's second-leading receiver, tight end Anthony Fasano.

Allen relishes such challenges. Since signing with UT in December of 2001 -- graduating early from high school so he could show up at the Citrus Bowl -- Allen has been desperate to shine in the prime time.

A high school running back and defensive back that earned Alabama's Gatorade Player of the Year honors, Allen got a quick look at receiver before it was determined his star would rise fastest by playing defense.

"When we recruited Jason we thought he'd be a cornerback or a safety if he didn't grow into being a linebacker,'' UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "Jason was that kind of hitter. But when he arrived, it was evident he had a shoulder problem.''

Allen underwent shoulder surgery on Jan. 31, 2002 and wasn't able to compete until fall. By then he had fallen behind experienced defensive backs on the depth chart.

"I knew all along that physically I was capable of playing,'' Allen said. "It was hard standing on the sidelines and watching other guys play.''

Allen said he didn't consider a position switch at the time.

"It was more thinking of a school switch,'' Allen said. "You get used to being the big-name guy in high school. But I decided I had to stick it out. Being a competitor, I wasn't going to leave where people might say I couldn't make it.''

Allen approached spring 2003 intent on proving himself.

"There was a point where you couldn't get him and Antwan Stewart off the field,'' Fulmer said. "They'd go with the first team, then they'd go with the second team, and if you wanted to go more, they'd be out there for that, too.

"Jason has become a warrior and a great leader, and I think an All-American.''

Allen didn't start until the sixth game of the 2003 season. In his second start he made the decisive play in UT's 51-43 five-overtime win over Alabama, swatting a pass away in the end zone.

Allen's progress was such that he was voted a team captain. The only returning starter in the secondary, Allen has responded, taking ownership of the defense.

"I'm still upset we allowed that many yards against South Carolina, just from the standpoint of pride,'' said Allen, who stayed in the game for South Carolina's final drive after most starters came out. "I take what we do to heart. If you're going to do a job, you do it right.''

UT defensive coordinator John Chavis said when Allen was approached at the start of this season about moving from cornerback to safety for the betterment of the team, he accepted the move in stride.

"I'd wanted to leave Jason at cornerback because we could put him on receivers one-on-one and do some things,'' Chavis said. "His coverage is that good. It's been on-the-job training for him at safety and he's done a tremendous job.

"You haven't seen the best Jason Allen yet. The more experience he gets, the more you'll see him getting picks and breaking on the balls.''

As if playing defense and special teams wasn't enough, Allen said he'd be interested in getting some work on offense.

"They probably won't let me do that,'' he said with a knowing smile. "But I would if I could.''