The former Alabama standout is making a believer out of the Redskins.
Jonathan Allen has gotten better at defensive tackle in each of his first three seasons at Washington, dating back to the 2017 NFL Draft.
A native of Ashburn, Va., Allen was taken No. 17 overall in the first round and is coming off a season where he totaled 68 tackles – including 8.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.
He collected 61 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2018. With him tallying 139 tackles and 15 sacks through three seasons and the Redskins drafting Chase Young from Ohio State, Washington decided to exercise the fifth-year option on Allen’s contract on Monday.
#Redskins have exercised their fifth-year option on the contract of DT Jonathan Allen. pic.twitter.com/zHiYkhysjJ
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) April 27, 2020
He’s become one of the leaders on a defensive front that includes a few former Crimson Tide players such as Da’Ron Payne, Ryan Anderson, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Reuben Foster and Landon Collins. Prior to turning pro, Allen took pride in administering pain to quarterbacks during his four seasons at the University of Alabama.
He turned in 152 tackles, 44.5 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries from 2013 to 2016.
Allen was the centerpiece of the Tide’s defense in 2016, as the group forced 29 turnovers – including 11 returned for touchdowns.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder chimed in with 69 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and carried team-highs for sacks (10.5) and quarterback pressures (15).
He recovered three fumbles that season and returned one for a score.
Allen won a host of individual honors in 2016 – including SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, unanimous All-American and first-team All-SEC.
He was on three SEC Championship teams (2014-16) and a College Football Playoff National Championship team in 2015.
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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.
