Through the first 11 games of his NFL career, rookie running back Braelon Allen has yet to have a "Welcome to the NFL moment." With 6 games left, he hopes to keep it that way, while continuing to realize his role in the Jets offense.
"I have been able to avoid being run over or blocked to the ground or anything like that," Allen said. "I like to be the hammer, not the nail. I am going to try and keep that going for as long as I can. I never want to be on the wrong side of that."
Allen, a fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin by the Jets in April's NFL Draft (No. 134), has rushed for 229 yards on 62 attempts and found the end zone 3 times, twice on runs. Allen, the youngest player in the NFL (20), has been used sparingly in the pass game. He has 10 receptions for 81 yards on the season, including a 12-yard receiving score versus Tennessee in Week 2.
In recent weeks, Allen has primarily been used in short-yardage situations. Through the last 9 games, he is 9 of 9 on third-and-1- or 2-yard conversion runs.
"I have been playing some different positions than I am used to," Allen said. "I have been playing a fullback role in short yardage situations and then also getting opportunities in a tailback role. It has been fun. I like putting my hand in the dirt and doing my part, doing whatever they ask of me."
Over 3 seasons with the Badgers, Allen touched the ball 646 times for 3,769 yards from scrimmage and 35 touchdowns in 35 games. Now playing second fiddle to RB Breece Hall, Allen (6-1, 235) has developed an affinity for the bruising short-yard attempts.
"When I am put into a situation like that, it really comes down to getting the job done in anyway that I can," Allen said. "There is no telling what they are going to do or how they're going to play it. I just need to go in there and make the conversion. I just do what the team needs from me."
Allen credits QB Tyrod Taylor and S Jalen Mills with helping him to make a seamless transition from college to the pros. As Allen continues to adjust his daily routines, Mills has provided a viable blueprint.
"Those are two guys have a lot of respect for it, two guys that are always here first in morning," Allen said. "I'm trying to catch them. I get here early. I am normally one of the first five or so and they are here early, too.
"The biggest difference from college and what had been used to, is the amount of time we spend at the facility and the free time you have while you're here for long periods of time. In the past, I had been leaving for class and I would come back. Now you don't have to worry about that. You can do whatever you want. I don't have homework. That has been my favorite part."
