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College Football Playoff: Five Players to Watch in the National Championship

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. DE Jonathan Allen, Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide have an opportunity to solidify themselves as one of the best dynasties in college football against Clemson. Senior defensive end Jonathan Allen is the anchor of the defense.

Allen leads the Crimson Tide defense in sacks this season (9.5) and ranks third in tackles for loss (15.0). The number of snaps he saw this season went up and so did his production. He also gathered a career-high 62 total tackles. Allen is one of six players with at least one defensive touchdown on the season. He returned an interception 75 yards to the house in the Crimson Tide’s 48-43 win over Ole Miss back on September 17.

https://twitter.com/NFLDraftInsider/status/809241273190203392

The senior defensive end finished seventh in Heisman voting this season, two spots behind Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers. Peppers and Allen were the only defensive players to finish in the top 10 in Heisman voting in 2016, a rare feat for any player on that side of the ball.

Allen had six tackles, two of them for loss and a sack in Alabama’s 24-7 win in the Peach Bowl. He goes into the National Championship game looking to impress NFL Draft scouts as well. He’s rated number one out of all defensive ends in the 2017 NFL Draft class, according to NFLDraftScout.com. Look for him to have a great season finale against Clemson tonight.

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