After a season-ending knee injury in August camp in 2018 and encountering some struggles last year, Christopher Allen is playing his best football now at outside linebacker for the University of Alabama.
Hailing from Baton Rouge, La., Allen won the starting job at strong-side “SAM” linebacker at preseason camp and is fully healthy for the first time since his freshman year. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder has been consistent through four games in pressuring quarterbacks and was pivotal last week against the run. He helped the Crimson Tide limit Zamir White (sophomore) to his second-lowest rushing output of the season.
The talented running back had just 57 yards on 10 carries for the Georgia Bulldogs as Alabama earned a 41-24 win at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Along with stuffing its run game, Allen was huge in making Stetson Bennett feel uncomfortable in the pocket. He had one of four quarterback hurries for the Tide, while assisting the defensive front to have five of 10 pass breakups.
Allen’s effort up front led to three interceptions — including one from Justin Eboigbe.
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He helped Alabama get off the field on third down, as Georgia converted just two of seven attempts in the second half.
Overall, Allen recorded four tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry in the victory.
For a third consecutive week, the former four-star was named Defensive Player of the Week by the Tide’s coaching staff. He was first recognized for his outing against Texas A&M, but he turned in a career performance versus Ole Miss.
Allen was responsible for a career-high seven tackles, including two tackles for loss (team-high) and one sack. Seeing him emerge is exactly what Nick Saban and Alabama needed.
As William Anderson continues to grow, the Tide looks to have two fierce rushers on the edge.
The redshirt junior has 16 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack and two quarterback pressures.
If Allen continues on this path, his draft stock will start to increase.
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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.
