He set a new club record for receptions by a rookie tight end and was an integral part of a surprising Colts regular season. However, that wasn’t as important to Dwayne Allen as making the playoffs, and when I asked him about it recently he willingly gave me an earful and then some.
“As a young guy coming into camp, you just want to make the team and define yourself as a contributor,” said the affable and polite Allen, who took time to speak to me at the Colts complex. “The playoffs were something I looked forward to as we began to progress as a team.”
Drafted with the first pick of the third round, Allen initially left Clemson University wondering what his role might be as the second tight end the Colts had drafted. Once he realized the utilization of the tight end position in offensive coordinator Bruce Arians’ offense, he understood the opportunities that were ahead for both him and fellow tight end Coby Fleenor.
Many experts felt Fleenor, who played with Colts quarterback Andrew Luck at Stanford, would be the logical choice to become Luck’s second favorite target behind veteran Reggie Wayne, but that didn’t happen as Allen proved himself as both a capable blocker and a receiver in a season that saw him total 45 receptions, good for 521 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Blocking well was a priority for Allen, who took the task seriously. “There is no fullback in the Arians system, so a tight end really has to block well,” said Allen, who also carried the ball three times this season in formations designed for such.
His versatility aside, Allen also mentioned the importance of wisely managing his free time, which is a major difference players experience after leaving the college game and entering the professional ranks. “You have to take care of things off the field in a suitable fashion as well, and not allow distractions to spill onto the playing field,” said Allen, who plans to live and train in the off season in Indianapolis. Allen stated he has adapted well to Indianapolis, and has been well received by the fans. He also looks forward to a major acquisition after the season is over – an English bulldog to help keep him and his girlfriend company. “Always wanted one,” he added while smiling.
One thing is for certain, Dwayne Allen’s future in the NFL is bright and he wants to be a Colt for his career. “I really think this team can accomplish big things moving forward, and I certainly want to be part of it all.”
Personally I think it is safe to say that Colts fans would agree with Allen and look forward to his continual development as a player, one that has All Pro potential written all over it.
Notes: While the Colts fell in their playoff match up to Baltimore, Allen had four receptions for 51 yards including one that went for 22 yards. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was under pressure all day and took a physical pounding from the Ravens.
Luck did manage to attempt 54 passes which is a new NFL playoff record for a rookie.
Baltimore advances to play Denver and Peyton Manning this weekend. The Broncos defeated Baltimore in the regular season 34-17. The game can be seen Saturday on WISH-TV (Channel 8). Denver is heavily favored, but I say the Ravens will upset them.
Danny Bridges, who told Dwayne Allen to get a golden retriever instead of an English bulldog, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
