Has the ability to consistently break tackles because of his size, power and overall angry running demeanor, as he keeps his legs chopping through contact. But, he runs too high once he gets into space and isn't real shifty when asked to break down and make a defender miss.
Was consistently asked to work from space in Georgia Tech's triple- option attack where he could press big creases and accelerate toward daylight. However, he doesn't seem to be real instinctive or shifty running between the tackles.
Impression: Possesses good size and physicality as a runner, but he doesn't have the kind of big-play ability most of his highlights would indicate. Strikes me as more of a reserve-type power back in the NFL."
Big, fast running backs that can plow through tackles, move the chains and break the goal line are still in high enough demand to warrant Allen drawing strong consideration in the middle rounds.
***
Positives: Big, thick frame with powerful lower body. Strong initial burst through the line, maintaining low center of gravity and secure cradle. Powerful back who keeps his legs moving and displays great balance on contact. Able to maintain his footing when spun around by defenders, even if it means running backward or sideways to continue forward progress. Keeps his weight forward to generate downhill momentum. Never fumbled in four college seasons. Primarily a power back, but flashes adequate cutback and change of direction ability in the open field for his size.
Negatives: Lacks a strong second gear to pull away from defenders in the secondary. Virtually untested as a pass-catcher, with only three receptions as a senior in Georgia Tech's triple-option offense, although at Louisville as a sophomore in 2007 he did have 21 receptions. Like Jonathan Dwyer before him, scouts wonder if Georgia Tech's style of offense may have led to inflated statistics for Allen by facilitating gaping running lanes whereby he was able to go virtually untouched at times. Doesn't seem all too interested in making defenders miss in the open field, preferring to lower his shoulder instead. Didn't block much in pass protection at Georgia Tech."
Positive: Strong interior ball carrier who is a bit one dimensional. Displays power in his game, carries the ball with toughness, and gives effort in all aspects. Keeps his running form despite taking several hits, stays on his feet, and breaks tackles to pick up yardage off initial contact. Falls forward when tackled. Gives effort blocking.
Negative: Straight line runner who loses momentum when he must change direction. Cannot run to daylight in the open field. Marginal skills as a receiver.
Analysis: Allen is a well-sized prospect who does the little things well and should be a competent backup as a short-yardage specialist at the next level."
Negatives: Not very creative, doesn't cut very well... Not real elusive in space, prefers to try to run over defenders, doesn't have much wiggle to him... Will be a 25 year old rookie... Running backs haven't adjusted to the NFL well from Paul Johnson's triple-option offense, seemed to inflate stats in college... Below average vision and patience, runs past his blockers at times and misses cutback lanes... Doesn't have much experience running routes out of the backfield... Will not contribute on special teams, has one career kick return."
Weaknesses: Kind of a HB/FB tweener. Lacks edge speed. Slightly below average hands. Not a great lead blocker as a FB. Could possibly be an old-style 1-back, but there aren't many of those employed any longer in the NFL.
Projection: 5-6th rounder."
As a true freshman in 2006, Allen saw action in all 13 games and quickly turned into a prolific scorer. On 96 carries he rushed for 406 yards and 13 touchdowns and added another score on a reception. Allen saw his rushing total increase during his sophomore campaign and he ended up rushing for 696 yards and seven touchdowns and added 21 catches for 153 yards and two more trips to the end zone. Allen then opted to transfer to Georgia Tech.
After sitting out for a year, the 6-0, 229 pound back made an immediate impact for the Yellow Jackets as the third rushing option behind Dwyer and quarterback Joshua Nesbitt. Allen only carried the ball 64 times, but he made the most of his opportunities, averaging 9.2 yards per carry and scoring six touchdowns. With Dwyer out of the picture, Allen turned into the main rusher for Georgia Tech and carried the ball 217 times for 1,225 yards during his senior campaign.
Allen is a bruising back who can run through just about anybody. He does not have break away speed, but that is not the type of rusher he will be in the NFL. Allen is the type of player who can handle the load week in and week out and he is one of the better power backs in this class."
Breaks the Planes and Moves the Chains.
This is a guy I love...But I would caution against drafting him too early: He's not particularly instinctive or explosive.
Projected as a 4th Rounder, I'd suspect he'll actualy sink a round or two...and that would be a good Value for him.
However, he will give you a good, honest day's work, don't doubt that.
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