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Last Chance U: Where are former star players in 2019?

By Phil Poling

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 27: Rakeem Boyd #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball in the first half of a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - OCTOBER 27: Rakeem Boyd #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball in the first half of a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Razorback Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Commodores defeated the Razorbacks 45-31. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Scouting Report. 40. player. 51. Pick Analysis. Linebacker. Texas Tech. Dakota Allen

The Los Angeles Rams drafted Dakota Allen at the 2019 NFL Draft, making him the first player from Last Chance U to be chosen. Like most players on this list, Allen only spent one season on the show, EMCC: Part 2, but he had star written all over him the entire time.

RELATED: Dakota Allen the feel-good story of 2019 NFL Draft

He used his freshman season of eligibility at Texas Tech before joining Buddy Stephens and EMCC for the 2016 campaign, but re-joined the Division I program that originally gave him an opportunity following his JUCO stint — the Red Raiders. Allen alone couldn’t right the ship defensively for head coach Kliff Kingsbury, but he did give them a defender to be proud of.

Allen was a two-time team captain and constantly swarmed to the ball as a Red Raider linebacker. He racked up a total of 249 tackles during his three-year career in Lubbock, and also contributed 17.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. This level of play earned him All-Big 12 first-team honors from the Big 12 coaches, the AP, and ESPN.

But aside from simply making plays, Allen’s best attribute at Tech was being available. He only missed one game as a Red Raider — the 2018 matchup with Kansas State — and played in 36 other contests. Availability may not seem like an attribute, but player’s who don’t suit up can’t make any plays.

The Rams took a flier on the former Last Chance U star in the 7th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Being thin at inside linebacker, though, Allen will have a real opportunity to not only make the Rams’ roster, but to carve out a role he can flourish in. Surrounded by the likes of Aaron Donald and Marcus Peters should improve his chances.

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