Once Jayson Swain saw the clock expire in Lexington, Ky., he knew it was finally over.

No more struggling through a 5-6 season. No more fielding questions about a losing team, which once had championship aspirations.

The feelings that struck Tennessee's senior wide receiver at that moment wouldn't be forgotten.

They made a long-lasting impression even before the Commonwealth Stadium stands were empty.

Swain changed before he even reached the locker room.

"Right after the Kentucky game last year, I knew something was wrong." Swain said. "It really hit me. From that day forward I had a totally different mindset."

Swain's new way of thinking was to become more of a leader.

For the first three years of his career, Swain was one a group of talented wide receivers who signed with UT in 2003. Now, he was determined to be a vocal force.

"I wasn't really vocal last year," the Huntsville, Ala., native said. "We've got to do whatever it takes to win. That's what we came here to do."

Anytime a player takes on a more vocal role, there is always a chance that teammates won't respond. Swain said that hasn't been the case.

"They've responded good," Swain said. "I love them like my brothers. We pray before practice and pray after practice. I invite them over to eat.

"They know I love them just like we were in the same family. Whatever I say they respond to. Whatever other guys say I respond to.

"It's like a big family in there. It wasn't before."

Swain's teammates aren't the only ones who have noticed the change. UT hasn't named captains but Swain is always mentioned when leadership is discussed with Tennessee's coaches.

"I'm pleased with how they feel," Swain said. "I'm just trying to put this team on my back."

Swain has plenty of former UT wide receivers to look to as role models. Players like Peerless Price, Donte Stallworth and Kelley Washington inspire him.

"I try to motivate myself to be like those guys on and off the field," Swain said. "The Donte. The Peerlesses. The Kelleyes. I try to be like them, work hard and lead this team like it needs to be done."

Swain regularly speaks to Stallworth, who plays with the NFL's New Orleans Saints after playing for UT from 1999-2001. It is a relationship that can only benefit Swain, according to wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor.

"I know Donte," Taylor said. "I know that he's not going to tell him something that isn't right.

"I can't tell them about the speed of the game, what its like when your hot and tired or hurt. I can't tell him those things--and I can't tell him about Florida in the SEC -- but Donte can."

Swain dedicated himself to changing his attitude. He was determined to never end any season as a loser again. That means he may have to be even more vocal soon.

"I want to see him get in the mode of demanding the football," Taylor said, "but respecting the team and not being a deal where it's all about him."