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SEC Football: Top 100 SEC players to watch in 2016

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is pressured by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is pressured by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Allen 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 15
  • Tackles: 36
  • Tackles for Loss: 14.5
  • Sacks: 12
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Pass Breakups: 4
  • Forced Fumbles: 2
  • Fumble Recoveries: 0
  • Notable: Ranked No. 2 in the SEC in sacks.

Jonathan Allen is perhaps the most unexpected player to return to Alabama instead of opting to leave early for the NFL. A 6-foot-3, 283-pound defensive end, Allen was a First Team All-SEC performer as a sophomore in 2014, then produced an even better season as a junior.

Allen started all 15 games for the national champion Crimson Tide, which brought his career total to 27 starts, and tallied 36 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, and 12 sacks. Only Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett (12.5) got to the quarterback more in 2015 among SEC football players. Allen also knocked down four passes and forced two fumbles.

He recorded four TFLs against Texas A&M and three sacks versus Mississippi State (earning SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors in the process), both of which were team single-game highs in 2015.

That production, in addition to ideal size for an NFL defensive end, made Allen a top 20 prospect according to ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. However, Allen wasn’t comfortable with the second round grade he received from the draft advisory committee, and will be chasing SEC quarterbacks again in 2016.

Next: Eddie Jackson

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