Nate Allen Scouting Report

After spending his freshman campaign on special teams, Nate Allen had a breakout sophomore season at South Florida. He tallied 76 tackles, four interceptions and recovered three fumbles -- two of those turnovers even led to touchdowns. Like most of the USF team, Allen struggled in 2008, totaling just 53 tackles and one interception. However, the 2009 campaign is going much better and Allen has already nearly eclipsed his tackle mark of a year ago through just seven games. He has also picked off three passes and forced and recovered a fumble. His strong senior season has silenced some doubters and Allen is one of the best free safeties available in this class. Allen has the size and speed one would expect from a free safety. At 6-2 and 205 pounds, he has the measurables that NFL scouts like to see and his ability to pick off passes and stop the big plays on the ground will make him a valuable player. He will have to prove his skills after the season at the NFL combine and during senior week if he wants to move up into the first or second round, but he has the ability to do so. 1/24 Update: And so far Allen is proving to many that he could be a second round selection. He ended the 2009 campaign ranking second on the team with 85 tackles and picked off four passes. The International Bowl against Northern Illinois was not exactly the showcase South Florida was hoping for, but Allen was a part of a dominating defense that held the Huskies to a mere field goal. 4/10 Update: A nagging quad injury has kept Allen from running a 40-yard dash. He is running out of time to get that behind him and show what he can do. However, Allen has performed quite well in some of the other workouts at the combine and the USF pro day, so his stock is still hanging around the second or third round. If he can run prior to the draft, he could solidify himself as a second rounder, but either way there are a few teams who really need a safety and Allen will be one of the better ones available in the second round whether he runs a 40 or not.