Chris Hannon knows he has some catching up to do.

Impressing NFL scouts doesn't come easily after the kind of offensive season the University of Tennessee turned in a year ago.

"I look at it like I'm going up against guys like Chad Jackson," Hannon said of the former Florida standout. "I'm competing with guys who had 60 or 70 catches last season. I had 24."

Hannon returned from last week's NFL combine in Indianapolis and went back to work on UT's campus this week.

"The combine was a great experience," he said. "I think I helped myself. I caught the ball really well."

The only thing Hannon wasn't happy with was his speed work.

"I just had some bad starts and ran a little slower than I wanted to," he said.

Hannon ran a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash.

One former Vol who definitely proved himself healthy and soon-to-be wealthy was defensive back Jason Allen.

What hip injury?

Allen lost most of his senior season to a hip injury suffered against Georgia, but he showed NFL personnel he's back.

Nfldraftscout.com has elevated Allen to a potential first-round pick after his work at the combine.

Allen scorched the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds. He had a vertical jump of nearly 40 inches and did 17 bench-press reps.

Versatility doesn't hurt Allen. He excelled at safety and cornerback during his stay at UT.

Defensive end Parys Haralson is projected as a possible third-round pick and could end up playing linebacker in the NFL.

Defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona is another projected third-round selection.

Linebackers Omar Gaither and Kevin Simon are second-day, late-round picks according to nfldraftscout.com.

Running back Gerald Riggs is pegged as a fifth- or six-rounder.

The Vols will have another chance to impress the scouts when Tennessee has its Pro Day on Wednesday.