Allen hears Kiffin's message in person

Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin has given running back Dominique Allen something to think about.

Kiffin visited Allen at Henry County High School in Paris, Tenn., on Wednesday.

Kiffin made a favorable impression on the 6-foot, 250-pound Allen, who switched his commitment from UT to LSU last month.

“He’s a nice guy,” Allen said of Kiffin. “He’s straightforward and to the point.

“I like him. I like how he runs his offense.”

Allen said he likes that he would be able to run the ball in Kiffin’s offense.

“He really had me mostly in a one-back set rather than playing straight fullback,” Allen said. “I like what he said about that. Anywhere I go I’m going to get the rock, really.”

Allen said he’s impressed with the job Kiffin did as an offensive assistant at Southern Cal.

Allen especially liked the way Kiffin used running backs Reggie Bush and LenDale White together.

“He gave more carries to LenDale White than Reggie Bush in their careers,” Allen said. “He produced a lot of great athletes you see now in the NFL.”

Kiffin has asked Allen to take an official visit to UT. Allen took his official visit to LSU on Oct. 25.

Allen said he will decide in the next few weeks if he wants to visit UT.

“There’s nothing solid right now,” Allen said. “I’m not going to shut them out completely.”

Kiffin also opened a door with Allen’s teammate, athlete Marsalis Teague.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Teague is considering UT, Florida, Alabama and Georgia Tech.

Allen said he and Teague will consider the idea of playing together at UT.

“It does play a factor but we both have to do what’s best for us,” Allen said. “If LSU is what’s best for me so be it. We’re still going to keep in touch no matter what.”

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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