Keenan Allen is a highly talented incoming freshman recruited by Jeff Tedford and his staff. Ranked as the #1 safety in the class by Scout.com, there has been quite a bit of discussion as to where he will play, on offense or defense. From what we’ve heard, initial reports are he’ll be playing both sides of the ball. First, we took a look at his impact on the offensive side of the football. Today, we take a look at the defensive, where Allen would play as a safety.
Allen was ranked as high as the #5 player in the country as a safety, and a Parade All-American for his efforts. At 6-2, he’s has elite height for a safety which should help him in coverage. Running a 4.5 is good enough speed (probably right about average). The Rivals.com and Scout.com profiles provide these following notes. Allen is a bluechip guy in terms of agility and athleticism, and is elite in his size. He does need some added bulk (mentioned in the receiver bit as well) and could use some speed work. He has very good coverage awareness and has the hands to make interceptions. He also is a solid tackler. He does lack some closing speed.
Now on to my own impressions- vids from youtube and rivals/yahoo
The first thing I noticed when I watched the All-American video is the missed tackle. Tackling could be a problem for him and it looks like run support will not be his strong side. He takes a really bad angle on that play- hopefully that’s not a lingering problem. He does give up a couple of catches to Markeith Ambles- but he’s not a cover corner, but a safety. Again, it’s tough to tell with the footage I could tell. He appeared to show some quick feet and good instincts- I think he’ll be an above-average safety to start, and develop into a beast when he gets time in the system.
Is Keenan Allen ready to unseat a Sean Cattouse? No. Is he ready to make an impact early on? Yes. I’ve been very impressed with the little tape I’ve had and the scouting reports I’ve heard. He can be a bit undisciplined on tackling but is solid in that regard and appears to have very good cover skills. I think he’s a star down the line.
This begs the question: Is he a better receiver or safety? In my mind, the question is obvious. I’ve loved the skills he showed at the safety position, and his receiver skills seemed a little worse. He appears to be a very good receiver, whereas a great safety. With the secondary problems the Bears have had, I think the choice is obvious: Allen should be used as a safety first.
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