KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Tennessee safety Eric Berry says he's "leaning" toward turning pro.

Although Berry is still waiting to meet with head coach Lane Kiffin to discuss his future as a Vol, Berry told Sports Overtime that the NFL is more of an option next year than returning for his senior season.

"Right now I'm kinda leaning toward leaving, but I want to make sure I get other opinions about it," Berry said after Friday's practice.

Berry said he's has turned to former Vols to get more insight. He's already talked to Jerod Mayo and Jason Allen about the decision.

Mayo left Tennessee after his junior season. New England selected him with the tenth overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft.

Allen spent all four years at Tennessee and was drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins in the 2006 draft.

Berry said when he does meet with Kiffin, he wants to discuss all the pros and cons of leaving early versus staying.

Thursday night in Orlando, Berry was the recipient of this year's Jim Thorpe Award, handed out annually to the nation's top defensive back. If Berry does enter the NFL draft, he's expected to be selected within the first five picks.