Road to the Draft: Brian Allen
The NFL Draft marks another exciting opportunity for us to welcome members into the NFLPA family. Leading up to this year’s draft in Philadelphia on April 27-29, we chopped it up with a handful of the prospects. Today, we get to know Utah defensive back Brian Allen.
H/T to NFL Daily
The common question among NFL scouts when it comes to draft prospects is how will they adjust to life as a professional football player. No need to worry about Brian Allen. After enrolling at Utah as a highly touted receiver, the Texas native made a smooth transition to cornerback, where he started his last two seasons. Then after getting married and welcoming a daughter during his senior year, Allen juggled 22 academic credits in his final semester so he could get his degree before pursuing the NFL. It’s safe to say this NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alum can handle anything that’s thrown at him.
THE FILE
Height: 6-3
Weight: 215
After not playing defense in high school, Allen developed into one of the Pac-12’s top cornerbacks and recorded four interceptions as a senior at Utah.
What have you been doing to prepare for the NFL?
Just trying to stay in shape. I’ve been lifting weights, continuing with my diet and staying fit. During part of the process, I was training in Oakland at California Strength. Since the combine has been over, I came home back to Texas and have been doing stuff on my own.
What do you think separates you from other NFL prospects?
I’m a bigger corner, so a lot of things stand out like my length and size. I’m a pretty fast guy and my measurables stand out, along with just my pure talent. Once I get on the field, I’m always going to compete hard.
How often do you hear comparisons to (Seattle Seahawks cornerback) Richard Sherman, who also made the switch from wide receiver to cornerback in college?
I hear it a lot. When I get the comparisons, I look at as motivator. Richard Sherman is a great player and we have a lot of things that measure the same. But we’re also two different people. So, I take it as a compliment, but I’m also my own player and someone who is trying to make his own mark.
What’s on your gameday playlist?
I’m a mellow guy, so I’ll listen to someone like Drake or some laid-back Future songs. Nothing too hardcore. Just something to get my mind right.
Which team do you think is going to win the NBA Finals?
I’m a big Houston Rockets fan, so I’ve got to go with my Rockets. James Harden is playing great. If they can play good defense, they can compete with those other teams.
I guess I don’t need to ask who you think the MVP is.
Of course, James Harden
If you could go back in time and be a fly on the wall for any moment in history, what would it be?
My dad was a big Tupac fan, so it’d be cool to meet him or go to a Michael Jackson concert. I see videos from his concerts of people passing out in the crowd and just going crazy, so that seems like some type of experience.
When you see a yellow light, do you slow down or speed up?
Slow down, definitely. I’ve had some friends get in car accidents and I’ve got a family of my own, so I don’t want to take risks like that.
Tell me about your family and how that has changed your life.
I got married and my daughter was born last year. It’s definitely a life changer and a humbling experience. My daughter wasn’t planned, but now that she’s here, she’s the best thing that ever happened to us. She’s my motivation to keep going. I took 22 credits in my last semester, on top of being married and coming home to a child. It was tough, but looking back, if I could do that, I know I can do anything.
If you could send one last message to NFL teams, what would it be?
When I step on that field, my mindset is that I’m the best player on the field. When I get out there, you’re going to get nothing but 110 percent. I’m a dependable guy that can do everything he’s asked to do and more. I’ve got pretty high expectations for myself and I’ve worked my butt off to get to this point.