Buffs' Allen In Mix At Inside Linebacker
August 21, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — When Colorado coach Mel Tucker announced the members of his first signing class at CU last December, CU's then-very-new head coach wasn't shy with his assessment of junior college linebacker Jash Allen.
"This guy is a run-and-hit guy," Tucker said. "See ball, get ball. Very versatile, another three-down linebacker that will be able to help us on first and second down and also in obvious passing situations. When he gets there, he's got mean intentions."
So far, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Allen is doing his part to live up to that billing in the Buffs' fall camp. After three weeks and 18 practices, he is getting regular snaps with the No. 1 defense at inside linebacker alongside returning starter Nate Landman and making plays with increasing regularity. While he is still learning the intricacies of the defense, he is also making his presence known and proving that he does indeed have the athleticism to be a difference-maker on the Colorado defense.
"I feel like I've definitely made some progress, just speeding up the process," Allen said after Wednesday's practice. "Obviously, Nate is still helping me get it right. He's a vet on the field. But I feel like I'm getting better."
Allen, who played prep ball in Tigard, Ore., spent most of his time in high school as a running back while also playing a variety of defensive positions. But early in his junior college career, he made the full-time switch to linebacker, and he soon became one of the nation's top-ranked JC players at the position.
Now, despite not having the luxury of participating in spring ball with the Buffs, he has moved up the depth chart and is on target to be on the field when Colorado opens the season Aug. 30 against Colorado State in Denver.
"He's a big, strong, physical player," head coach Mel Tucker said. "He's got the size we're looking for there, he runs well. He's a newcomer and we've been working hard on getting him up to speed, but he's got the physical traits we're looking for."
Allen — his first name rhymes with "dash" — knows he still has plenty of catching up to do when it comes to mastering the fine points of Colorado's defense. But playing alongside Landman will no doubt help him get to the point that he can simply read and react.
"I think I'm maybe 80 percent there — but I'm trying to get to 110," Allen said. "As soon as I get to 110, I'll be able to say that, that I don't have to think. But with Nate next to me, it makes things a lot easier. Once he gets me right, I know what I'm doing, for sure."
Another plus in Allen's corner is his appreciation of the physical nature of the position. He is definitely not one to shy from contact, even if it means tangling with much bigger offensive linemen.
"I like getting in my gaps and I'm not afraid of contact," he said with a smile. "I feel like if I stick a lineman or someone in the hole, I'm doing something right."
PRACTICE REPORT: The Buffs were in shorts and shoulder pads Wednesday for their 18th practice of camp, leaving just seven to go before the Aug. 30 season opener … The team worked out in the Indoor Practice Facility early, then hit Folsom Field for some quick game-day organizational work …Â
The Buffs have definitely been on their toes the last two days after Tucker made them start over on Monday following a lackluster start to practice that day. Team leaders have especially stepped up and become a little more vocal …Â
Inside linebacker Nate Landman, who had an outstanding scrimmage Saturday, continues to be a defender who always seems to be around the ball … It has taken former quarterback Sam Noyer just three days to start looking very much at home at his new spot in the secondary, where he continues to get some meaningful reps at safety … While Delrick Abrams Jr. has one of the cornerback spots locked down, Mekhi Blackmon and Chris Miller are both still getting snaps on the other side. …Â
SCHEDULE: The Buffs will practice Thursday and Friday, take Saturday off and then begin game week preparations for Colorado State on Sunday.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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