Recently I conducted an interview with Brian Allen, the very gifted LB from Florida St. Brian has been steadily moving up my draft board all season and now he's near the top, ranked as my #2 OLB in the 2001 Draft. He's got natural instincts and a desire to excel at the game he loves. With good workouts, he could position himself as the #1 OLB. Below is some info on Brian, followed by our interview.
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Name: Brian Allen
School: Florida State
Position: LB
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 232
40 Time: 4.55
Draft Status: He can go anywhere from late 1st to early 3rd depending on workouts.
My View: Brian is a very personable, humble, gifted young man. He's been a consistent player throughout his collegiate career and he plans on bringing that level of consistency to the NFL. He's becoming one of the most sought after LB prospects in this draft. He made an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl and now he'll take his game to the combine.
INTERVIEW:
Q: What kind of person will an NFL team be getting when they draft you?
B.A.: I beleive that you need to work just as hard off the field as you do on it because someone is always watching. I'm a laid back guy, I like to stay to myself. I only have a few close friends. I'm a man of good charcter and I have high moral standards.
Q: What are your plans after your playing career is over?
B.A.: I want to go back to Lake City and open up a youth center for under privledged children. I want to give them a positive role model, someone they look up to. I want to let them know that it's cool to live your life in a moral way.
Q: What have you heard about your draft status?
B.A.: I've heard from the late first round all the way to the third round. I guess it depends on my workouts.
Q: What are your three playing strengths?
B.A.: My three playing strengths are:
1. I'm a leader on and off the field
2. I'm very aggressive
3. I can take on blocks very well.
Q: Are there any weaknesses in your game that you'd like to improve on?
B.A.: I need to work on catching the ball. I should have had like 3 INT's this past year, but I couldn't hold on to the ball. I don't get it either. I catch the ball in practices. I know I can catch.
Q: Who do you credit for your development as a football player?
B.A.: With out a doubt I credit Chuck Amato. Coach Amato educated me on how to be a LB. He's had so much to do with my development it's not even funny. We missed him this year. He was our guy.
Q: With all the hype surrounding your teammate Tommy Polley before the season, did you feel in a way you were being overlooked at all?
B.A.: Yes I did. It's OK because I had everything planned out. I broke it up into three stages. I go out and have a good season, I make a good showing at the Senior Bowl, and I do good at the combine and at workouts. In my mind, I've done my job and it's paying off now. I know when I get to Indy, I need to keep my 40 time down and do what I'm expected to do and everything will fall into place.
Q: Can you be an impact player in your rookie season?
B.A.: I think I can be. Being at the Senior Bowl with all the top prospects, I think I showed what my game is about. I'm very intense and aggressive and I'll do whatever it takes to get playing time. I'll throw my body around on special teams, anything.
M.G.: Brian, Thanks for talking with me. Good luck at the combine and I'll be listening for your name to be called on draft day. Good Luck!!!
B.A.: Thanks Matt. I appreciate you taking the time out to speak to me.
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