Dominique Allen doesn’t mince words when describing his playing style.

“Pounding, hard-nosed, pad-level football,” said the 6-foot, 250-pounder from Henry County High School in Paris, Tenn., who committed to play football for Tennessee on Saturday.

That’s good news for UT, especially since the stocky Allen looks destined to play fullback, although tailback has at least been discussed. Either position is fine with Allen.

“No matter,” he said, “whatever they want me to play.”

Allen wasn’t planning on committing to UT when he made the trip to Saturday’s Orange and White Game.

With scholarship offers from Georgia Tech, Mississippi State and Wake Forest in hand, Allen was prepared to wait out the other teams that were showing interest, such as UT, Miami and Ole Miss.

Then came the offer that felt right.

“I’m just a Tennessee boy,” Allen said. “It wasn’t about getting it (his recruitment) over with.

“I’ve been a Tennessee fan since I was a young ’un. I made the decision and I’m happy with the decision I made.”

Allen rushed for 1,600 yards and a whopping 32 touchdowns during his junior season. He knows other schools won’t stop calling just because he’s announced a commitment.

“They can say everything,” Allen said, repeating, “but I’m a Tennessee boy.”

Allen said he was impressed with UT’s offense during the Orange and White Game, and rightly so. The Vols’ first team seemed unstoppable for the better part of Saturday’s spring practice finale.

“I like the way they run the offense,” Allen said. “I think I can make the transition. It wouldn’t be too hard.”

Allen was recruited by tight ends coach Jason Michael.

Allen is the second commitment for the 2009 class.

Wide receiver Je’Ron Stokes from Northeast High School in Philadelphia, Pa., was the first player to commit to UT on April 6.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.