MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football defensive lineman Randy Allen recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss what he attributes his improved play to this season, what he likes to do in his spare time and who the biggest influence on his life has been, among other things.
Allen, a senior from Sacramento, Calif., has been a member of the South Alabama roster since signing with the Jags out of the College of San Mateo [Calif.] prior to the 2015 season. This season, Allen has developed into one of the top pass rushers in the Sun Belt and nationally. Entering Saturday's game against Georgia State, Allen leads the SBC in both stops behind the line (12 ½) and sacks (seven), and ranks fourth and tied for ninth, respectively, nationally in those two categories.
This season, you have developed into one of the top pass rushers in the Sun Belt. What do you attribute that to?
"Hardwork. In the spring, I ran hills every day after practice. I was running about 30 hills every day. That really helped me."
Even this fall, you have continued to work on things after practice. How do you feel that has helped you?
"The extra work is always beneficial. You get to practice your skills over and over again so that it becomes second-nature to you."
Last season, you weren't able to get on the field and have as much of an impact as you probably wanted to. What did you learn during that season that you have been able to carry over to this season?
"I learned to study my plays more. It wasn't that I didn't have the talent to be on the field last season, I just didn't know exactly what I was doing all the time and that makes it hard for coaches to put you onto the field."
What do you like about playing defensive coordinator Kane Wommack's scheme?
"It's simple and straight to the point. There aren't a lot of checks. If there are checks, you go to something even more simpler."
Were there any similarities in what you did defensively in either junior college or high school?
"The 4-2-5 that we run here is pretty similar to what I ran in JUCO. We play a lot of vision-coverage."
What are some of the strengths that you personally feel that you bring to the defense?
"I would say my effort. I just want to bring effort every play. Even when I mess up, I just want to play the hardest that I can. I know the next play is a new play."
What are some goals you set for yourself this season?
"I want to get 15 sacks, make 70 tackles and 20 tackles for loss and maybe give myself a chance to make it to the next level."
What are you wanting to do after your football career is over?
"After football is over, I want to become a coach. All I really want to do is be around football."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I like to fish, cook, watch movies, watch film, just the simple stuff. Nothing too crazy. I like to also travel."
What are some challenges the defense faces this week against Georgia State?
"Georgia State is similar to Troy, so they are going to try to spread us out and throw the ball quick. They will run it to keep us honest."
What do you guys need to do in order to be successful against the Panthers?
"We just need to execute our game plan. Last week, I would say we executed our game plan for the first three quarters. We just couldn't finish it in the fourth quarter and we need to do that this week."
What were some differences between junior college and Division I football?
"The team that you are playing against doesn't ever quit at this level no matter the score. In junior college, once you get up 10 points or so, they usually quit. When you are up 21 points here at this level, all it takes is one or two quick scores and it's a one-possession game again."
How did you benefit from playing in junior college?
"Junior college ball taught me the basics of football; understanding how to watch film, understanding the keys and concepts of the offense and just the technique at the outside linebacker."
What type of leadership role have you assumed on the team and the defense?
"I'm more of a leader by example than a vocal leader. I just play as hard as I can and look for the other guys to follow suit. When I do say something, I back it up, my play backs up my words rather than my words backing up my play."
Do you prefer playing inside or on the edge?
"On run downs, I prefer to play out on the edge and set the edge quick. On pass downs, I'll line up anywhere. Pass rushing is a one-on-one match up most of the time and it's about who wants it more."
Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"My grandmother. She's really the one who set everyone to work hard because she worked probably 16 hours a day even into her late 70s. She was working even up to a week before she passed away. My work ethic comes from her and my parents. Everyone just woke up every day and went to work."
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