Dominique Allen likes what he’s hearing from LSU’s coaching staff.

The 5-foot-11, 235-pound fullback from Henry County High School in Paris, Tenn., committed to Tennessee in April but has remained in contact with LSU.

Allen took an unofficial visit to LSU during the summer while he was visiting family in Louisiana.

Allen said he has spoken recently to LSU running backs coach Larry Porter and head coach Les Miles.

Allen said Porter and Miles have offered him a chance to play early at LSU.

“They tell me, ‘You could start as a freshman,’ ” Allen said. “They tell me if I’m good enough and the best person they’ve got they’d put me at running back.”

The opportunity to play running back is intriguing to Allen.

He said he watched UT’s 27-24 loss to UCLA on Monday and was disappointed with how the Vols’ offense used its fullback.

“When they moved him up to tight end I didn’t like that too much,” he said.

“I don’t want to play tight end. I wish they would have given the fullback a little more carries.”

Sophomore Kevin Cooper had one carry for one yard at the fullback position against UCLA.

Cooper also tied for the team lead with four receptions.

Allen said he last spoke to UT tight ends coach Jason Michael on Monday before the Vols played UCLA.

Allen said he plans to attend UT’s game against Florida at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 20.

Allen said he wants to visit LSU this fall but hasn’t scheduled a date.

Allen said he wants to see how the Tigers plan to use him in their offense.

“That’s why I’m talking to them now,” Allen said. “They’ve opened my eyes a little bit more. I’m just grateful for them talking to me.”

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.