Living in Alabama didn't sway Allen, Swain from Tennessee

Both played high school football in Alabama. And both wanted to play college football somewhere else.

Allen, a former Alabama player of the year at Muscle Shoals High School, didn't have Alabama or Auburn among his final three college choices. He finally chose the University of Tennessee over Georgia and LSU.

Swain, a high school All-American from Huntsville, Ala., said he was never interested in Alabama or Auburn. When his friends wore Alabama or Auburn shirts, Swain opted for something more generic.

"I grew up liking Florida and Tennessee," he said.

Swain became more enamored with the Vols after taking his official visit. It helped having Allen to show him around.

"He was really down-to-earth with me," Swain said. "He told me how it was going to be."

Like Swain, Allen felt comfortable at UT on his recruiting visit. He made an unofficial visit to Auburn.

"Auburn is a great school with a great tradition," he said.

But it wasn't for him -- even though he witnessed one of the Tigers' finest hours. Allen said he visited Auburn the weekend of its upset victory over the then-No. 1-ranked Florida Gators in 2001.

Allen, who was shifted from cornerback to free safety after the first game this season, should play a prominent role against the Tigers. He is tied for the team lead in tackles with 29 and also has two tackles for losses, a sack and an interception.

Swain is averaging 18.2 yards on five receptions, including a 42-yard touchdown catch.

They aren't the only former Alabamians who could have an impact against the Tigers. Senior Corey Larkins of Opelika, Ala., has rushed for 74 yards and returned two kicks for 32 yards. Sophomore Arron Sears of Russellville, Ala., starts at offensive right tackle for the Vols.