You just can’t replace a Jason Allen. Fortunately, Tennessee’s football team doesn’t have to, at least in spirit.

One of UT’s six captains, the senior said his hip came out of joint but went right back in, according to a statement released Tuesday by UT’s Sports Information Department. It was the first time he’s talked about the injury.

"He's not going to disappear," safety Antwan Stewart said of his injured teammate. "He's a leader. Leaders help other people get better."

The All-SEC defensive back suffered a season-ending hip injury against Georgia last Saturday.

One of UT's six captains, the senor said his hip came out of joint but went right back in, according to a statement released Tuesday by UT's Sports Information Department.

The injury occurred during a collision with Georgia tight end Leonard Pope late in the first half.

"It was painful, but right now I'm just taking it one day at a time," Allen said. "It's nothing major. People want to compare it to the Bo Jackson injury, but his came all the way out of place and mine wasn't that serious.

Jackson, who was a star in the NFL and baseball, had a condition which caused deterioration of the cartilage and bone around his left hip.

Allen's injury is similar to that suffered by former UT star Deon Grant that forced him to miss his rookie season in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. Allen will be on crutches for 6-8 weeks.

"It's just an injury that happened," Allen said. "It's not going to hold me down and I'll be back stronger than ever.

"I'm staying positive and I thank all the fans and the student body for their support. I really appreciate it."

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said sophomores Roshaun Fellows and Inky Johnson are the leading candidates to replace Allen.

That will be tough to do.

Allen garnered All-SEC status in 2004 along with third-team All-America honors from The Associated Press. He led the SEC in tackles last season with 123.

Allen, playing safety, was the first non-linebacker to lead UT in tackles since records began in 1970.

Allen was Tennessee's leading tackler again this year when the injury occurred.

"I was really blessed to represent the T on the helmet," Allen said. "I appreciate everyone who has been there for me throughout my years there ... I appreciate everyone and always will be a Volunteer."

Fulmer said freshman defensive back Demetrice Morley is now trying to learn cornerback as well as safety in light of Allen's injury.

"He's trying to learn anything he can learn," Fulmer said of Morley. "He could play corner for us. No doubt. He played some today."

Allen said is seeking medical attention through some of the top joint and hip experts in the nation.

"Knowing I can't practice, can't run through the 'T' and can't be there with my teammates," he said, "that's probably the hardest thing right now. I'll get back where I need to be and prepare myself for the NFL.

Fellows is the likely backup. He started eight games last year before losing the cornerback job to junior Jonathan Wade this season.

"It's sad to say but you have to move on," Stewart said of Allen's injury. "Just try to cope with it however you can cope with it."

Stewart said that Allen's influence will be felt far beyond his cornerback skills.

"Jason's always going to be around," Stewart said. "He's going to be around talking trash. He's going to be around trying to get you up, trying to get you hyped to play games.

Stewart said the entire secondary will need to pick up the leadership slack for Allen.

"I'm happy he was there for us," Stewart said. "I don't want to think about him not being there. I just hope he finds a way to get back out there and do what he likes to do and that's play football."

Allen encourages fans wishing to reach him to do so by sending him E-mails at jallen8@utk.edu.

"I appreciate all the E-mails and cards from the fans," he said. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate them."

Stewart said Allen's personality will continue to have an impact

"He's not gone," Stewart said. "He's still around. He's not dead."