Most rookies who enter training camp for the first time experience an adjustment period, especially when the pads come on.
But that hasn’t been the case with the Jets’ fourth-round pick, running back Braelon Allen.
Day after day, during the first week of training camp, Allen has made several plays that have stood out. That included a long run near the sideline for a long gain during the first practice in full pads on Monday.
“Learning a whole new offense, whole new system and being on a team with so many great players and All-Pros, Pro Bowlers, Hall of Famers, it can be overwhelming at times,” Allen told the Daily News. “Especially when you first get here, but as of right now, camp is going really well. The game has definitely slowed down. I’m more comfortable with what I’m doing individually and understanding the overall scheme.
In April’s draft, the Jets selected Allen 134th overall out of Wisconsin. The thought was that Allen, along with Isaiah Davis, who was taken in the fifth draft round, would provide depth to the Jets’ running back room. However, the Jets might have found a steal with Allen.
During OTAs and mandatory minicamp, starting running back Breece Hall missed practice time due to an undisclosed “lower half” injury. That allowed Allen to receive snaps with the Jets’ first-team offense, and he did not disappoint.
Not only did he display the same speed and power he showed at Wisconsin, but Allen also proved he could be a tremendous pass catcher out of the backfield.
During his three seasons with the Badgers, Allen rushed for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns.
“We’ve probably got probably one of the bigger running back rooms in the NFL, I think, and it’s going to be fun to watch them carry the ball,” Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “I think both those rookies have done a really fine job.
“The big concern you always have looking in the NFL, going from college to NFL, isn’t necessarily running as much as the pressure pickups. We see so many unique and dynamic fronts and our defense does an amazing job with that. I think that’s something that I’ve really been impressed with is their communication with Aaron [Rodgers], discussions with Aaron and Tyrod [Taylor], to be able to know what their responsibilities are. I think that’s been something really special.”
Allen has been in athletics since he was four years old. He started as a wrestler, which continued when he went to Fond du Lac High School in Wisconsin. But it was football that eventually became Allen’s focus, and he was a four-star recruit coming out of high school.
Before he went to Wisconsin, Allen learned the importance of nutrition and diet and how to maintain and lose weight.
At 16-years-old, Allen performed a 610-pound squat. With the Badgers, Allen was known for his workout videos. During his sophomore year, Allen power cleaned 405 pounds.
His hard work off the field even extended to changing his diet. Tt 20, Allen understands that to be successful in the NFL for a long time, he has to be judicious about what he puts in his body. During his final season at Wisconsin, Allen began a diet that eliminated gluten, dairy, fried foods, and artificial sugars.
He got that idea from Ravens running back Derrick Henry, who he is really close with in college. The two even worked out together while Allen was preparing for the NFL Draft.
“He has been awesome, especially throughout college,” Allen said about Henry. “Obviously, not as much communication now that we are competitors. Throughout college, he was huge.
“Coach [Tony] Dews, who is here now, was in Tennessee for seven, eight years with Derrick. He is kind of giving the same advice that he gave him when he came into the league. Kind of molding me to what he thinks I can be as a back.”
This summer, during training camp, Allen will compete with Davis for the backup running back spot. Allen may have a leg up in the competition.
He has been behind Rodgers in the backfield at times and should be an excellent complement to Hall. During his tenure as Jets coach, Robert Saleh has liked to use a collection of running backs in the backfield.
At 6-1, 235 pounds, Allen will be a punishing option in goalline situations. He will also be an option in short-yardage situations. Allen and Davis should both receive carries in the Jets offense, but the two are close despite the uniqueness of having two rookie running backs competing for the same role.
“You don’t see too many teams take two backs, especially around the same time,” Allen said. “I was a fourth-rounder; he was a fifth-rounder. He is definitely the closest guy that I’m with on the team.
“Of course, there’s a little competitiveness, but that’s not the way that we see each other. We are brothers, we are teammates and we want to see each other succeed. It is honestly been nice having someone that’s going through the same thing as.
“He was feeling the same way during OTAs. A little overwhelmed, a little stressed. With us being in that same situation and being able to communicate and understand what’s going on, it’s been great. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
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