Ricardo Allen: Number 8 on Most Important Players/Units
Yes, another one of the best players is low on the list. Like Kawann Short, getting high level performance from Ricardo Allen is pretty much a sure thing. Reason he is on this list is he is going to need to step it up another gear. Purdue will have an entirely new safety unit this season that will need to get broken in. Last year Allen 81 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked kick.
The main thing Allen will need to work on is his coverage of taller and bigger wide receivers. Plays like what happened against Michael Floyd(Notre Dame) last year can’t happen. If there is someone who knows that, it’s Allen. He is always open and pretty direct about his shortcomings. He is one of the most driven players on the team and is always studying the game.
Allen may also be adding punt returner duties. Though he did have one bad dropped punt, he has proven he has good hands with the interceptions he’s accumulated. Allen has lobbied Coach Hope for the position, though no doubt he’ll have to earn it. He can bring some speed and play-making ability. Him and Rahemm Mostert would bring one exciting returning unit. Allen is already one of the best corners in the Big Ten, and this season should start to get him into the national discussion for the position.
8) Ricardo Allen