Antonio Allen Scouting Report

Allen, finally ready to take his talents to the next level, was one of the more experienced players in college football. The strong safety played one year at Fork Union Military Academy before transferring to South Carolina and sitting out one year in 2008. He was mostly a full-time starter at safety the rest of the way throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior campaigns. Despite missing two games with a hamstring injury in 2010, Allen finished second on the team with 70 tackles (10.5 for loss). He played in 12 of 13 games as a senior and led the Gamecocks with 88 total tackles. Allen was third in tackles for loss (9.5) and and second in solo tackles (55). He also had three interceptions, one sack, three fumble recoveries, and an incredible four forced fumbles.

The Ocala, FL native has great size at 6'1'' and 202 pounds. He has consistent 4.5 speed and has been clocked as fast as 4.48 from that distance. Allen does not have elite speed, so he sometimes struggles in pass coverage and can get beat because he is sometimes over-aggressive. When he gets the ball in his hands, though, he is extremely dangerous. In 2011 he returned both a fumble and an interception for a touchdown, and both of his fumble returns went for at least 25 yards. Quite simply, Allen is a ball-hawk who can pick it off in the air or dislodge it with huge hits. He plays physical and is not afraid to make his way into the backfield. His red flag is questionable straight-line speed and agility, so deep-threat wide receivers can take advantage of him. Look for Allen to be a third-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft.