Oklahoma is No. 2 in the Top 25 polls, but it doesn't rank so high with Tennessee defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona.

Mahelona, who is a native of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, almost signed with Oklahoma after graduating from Orange Coast (Calif.) College. But after visiting both Oklahoma and UT, his choice was easy.

"I know I would have been miserable at Oklahoma," said Mahelona, who played his best game of the season last week against Georgia. "I basically wanted to go there because they were No. 1 (in the polls).

"Every day, I pray and thank God that I came to UT because I wouldn't have been happy at Oklahoma. I just don't think I would have fit in there. When I came here, I was at ease. It's hard to explain."

But he can explain the terrain.

"I didn't like the area (in Oklahoma)," he said. "It was so flat."

The mountains of East Tennessee suit Mahelona much better. He also enjoys visiting his brother, Steven, at nearby Tusculum College in Greeneville.

Steven, a senior running back at Tusculum, has been hampered by injuries this season. Last year, he rushed for 247 yards on 43 carries.

"I like going there (to Greeneville) and getting away where there's trees, hills and green grass," Mahelona said. "I like nature. And there's a river there where we catch crawfish."

That's all the fishing Mahelona will do until he returns home.

He's got big plans for his next trip home, probably over the Christmas holidays. The plans include a fishing trip, and a luau for the first birthday of his nephew.

The tough part of going home will be accommodating all his teammates interested in a trip to Hawaii. Offensive tackle Albert Toeaina and cornerback Antwan Stewart are going home with him for Christmas, Mahelona said, and offensive guard Rob Smith wants to visit next summer.

Mahelona also thinks his friends back home would love playing football at UT.

"I know every player in Hawaii would dream of playing in a big-time program like this," he said.

"I hope I can bring players from Hawaii here and let them enjoy what I got to experience. They really have no idea, because I came up here and had no idea what UT football is all about — about how loving and caring the coaching staff is.

"Anybody far away from home would appreciate that."

John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284.