2024 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 52 Days (Clayton Allen)
/Written By Nick Gonzales (@nrgonzales_)
The 2024 Hoosier Huddle Countdown to kickoff continues with 52 days until the start of the Hoosier’s football season! Every day, we take a look at players on the current roster and highlight their roles in the upcoming season. We are nearing the halfway point of our countdown and today we are looking at number 52, linebacker Clayton Allen.
Name: Clayton Allen
Hometown: Fishers, Indiana (Hamilton Southeastern)
Position: Linebacker
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Height/Weight: 6’2”/208 pounds
Social Media: Twitter: (@CMAllen317)
Allen is an Indiana native who chose to attend the best University in Indiana. As a senior, he helped Hamilton Southeastern to its first regional title since 2005. Throughout his high school career, he racked up 103 total tackles, 76 of them were during his senior year. During his senior year, he also made 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, an interception, and 2 pass breakups. Not only was Allen a star on the football field, he also was a hurdler for his track & field team.
Allen thrives in reading and rushing the quarterback and stopping runs. As a linebacker, it’s important to know your role and stick to it, otherwise, the defense can fall apart. Allen’s discipline keeps him from losing his leverage when the ball-carrier spills over to him. His decision making helps him read blocks and disrupt plays whenever he has the opportunity.
Allen joined the Hoosier’s football program as a walk-on during the 2023 season. After not seeing any game action in his initial collegiate season, he made the choice to redshirt. With some new transfers and some other more experienced players, Allen will have to prove himself to the new Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach, Bryant Haines. However, it shouldn’t be too difficult for him though because of his athleticism and playmaking potential.
He is an explosive player that has good tackling form and could be key in special teams this year, while also helping in practice and with scout teams. With some more development, Allen can be a great linebacker, and an essential run stopper for the Hoosiers in the near future.
The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues with Day 51 tomorrow!