Much like his teammate, Ale Kaho, the toughest challenge for football players at the University of Alabama is catching up on aspects you have missed. While one linebacker had personal matters to resolve, injuries have forced another talented student-athlete to play catch up.
The offensive side of Alabama’s 2017 signing class has been spectacular.
Even though fans would like to see more toughness in Najee Harris’ running style, what he provides in the passing game with Tua Tagovailoa and the trio of Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs III at receiver is killing opposing defenses.
When it comes to defensive players from the class, injuries to Dylan Moses (knee), LaBryan Ray (foot) and Markail Benton (hamstring, playing) along with VanDarius Cowan and Kyriq McDonald transferring hurts.
RELATED: Nick Saban, UA players love the ‘headhunter’ mentality of Ale Kaho
Christopher Allen, a native of Baton Rouge, La., is another defensive talent that sustained a serious injury.
A four-star from Southern Lab School, Allen had a productive freshman campaign and was set to have an increased role – before a mishap happened in the summer of 2018.
He was excelling in spring ball, but suffered a knee injury in fall camp. Allen would miss the entire year, which allowed him to take a redshirt.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, he has the athleticism, power and potential to be the next marquee edge rusher for the Crimson Tide.
A redshirt sophomore, he’s totaled eight tackles – including 3.5 tackles for loss and half a sack through six games. The capability to be special is there; however, Nick Saban wants to see one more thing improve before he feels compelled to trust Allen on the field.
“I think Chris sometimes needs to develop a little more maturity about how he goes about his work,” Saban said on Wednesday.
He wants to be on the field making plays, but there is a proven formula in doing this under Saban. The formula consists of performing small tasks well, having attention to details, not being overly emotional, giving maximum effort and possessing the right instincts.
“Older player seem to see the importance in that,” Saban said. “Sometimes, younger developing players are learning that as they go. I think that is where Chris is in his development and I think once he gets that, he will be a very good player.”
As he continues to practice under the leadership of Sal Sunseri, those qualities will come.
For Allen, Saban and the coaching staff are not disappointed in him.
He has shown production; they just want to push a little more from him. Saban stated that having ‘mental chemistry’ in what he’s doing is the next step for him. Allen is coming along and the team will need him at some point soon, especially with LSU rolling into Bryant-Denny Stadium in one month.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
