Miami Hurricanes running back Ajay Allen met with the media today after a strong scrimmage performance on Saturday, reflecting on his move from Nebraska to Miami's intense heat and humidity.
Having been in Miami for a few months now and after a few weeks of practice, the first thing that took Allen by surprise was, in fact, the climate. "Really the heat," he said. "I've been in Nebraska, so it's not as humid here."
Allen made his debut at Hard Rock this Saturday, and he emphasized that his primary focus is to "compete every day and better myself and the players around me." And it seems he's been doing just that. "I ran these plays in high school, and I think I can make big plays here running this kind of offense," Allen confidently stated.
A recurring question was - why Miami? Allen said, "Growing up, this was a dream school. I used to watch the Hall of Famers here, like Frank Gore when he played for the 49ers."
To those unfamiliar with his playing style, Allen describes himself as a "game-changer." He likens his style to Jonathan Taylor from the Colts. "When I get in space, I do what I do best," he added with a smile.
Under the guidance of coach Shannon Dawson, a fellow Louisiana native, Allen feels right at home. "I really love coach Dawson; he's an upfront guy. I think I can excel in this offense and do great things."
With a running back by committee in the forecast for this season, Allen is focused on staying healthy and competing. "Everybody wants to be that guy, so we have to compete to be that guy," he reflected.
Asked about what makes him an explosive running back, Allen credited his ability to think on his feet. "When I make explosive plays, I think in my mind like I have to get from A to B."
Regarding his speed, while he acknowledged working on his top-end speed, he noted hitting up to 20 miles per hour last year. Although his speed is a calling card, Allen understands there’s more to it.
"We have to pass protect. That's a running back's job, to make a good pocket for Tyler."
When asked about freshman Mark Fletcher, Allen praised him, saying, "Mark really can be versatile. People just see him as a big guy, but Mark can really run."
Allen opened up about the adversity he faced in his freshman year with a collarbone fracture. "It was a minor setback for me. I hate sitting back and watching, so I come here and compete every day to be better than what I was last year."
Having been in Miami for a few months now and after a few weeks of practice, the first thing that took Allen by surprise was, in fact, the climate. "Really the heat," he said. "I've been in Nebraska, so it's not as humid here."
Allen made his debut at Hard Rock this Saturday, and he emphasized that his primary focus is to "compete every day and better myself and the players around me." And it seems he's been doing just that. "I ran these plays in high school, and I think I can make big plays here running this kind of offense," Allen confidently stated.
A recurring question was - why Miami? Allen said, "Growing up, this was a dream school. I used to watch the Hall of Famers here, like Frank Gore when he played for the 49ers."
To those unfamiliar with his playing style, Allen describes himself as a "game-changer." He likens his style to Jonathan Taylor from the Colts. "When I get in space, I do what I do best," he added with a smile.
Under the guidance of coach Shannon Dawson, a fellow Louisiana native, Allen feels right at home. "I really love coach Dawson; he's an upfront guy. I think I can excel in this offense and do great things."
With a running back by committee in the forecast for this season, Allen is focused on staying healthy and competing. "Everybody wants to be that guy, so we have to compete to be that guy," he reflected.
Asked about what makes him an explosive running back, Allen credited his ability to think on his feet. "When I make explosive plays, I think in my mind like I have to get from A to B."
Regarding his speed, while he acknowledged working on his top-end speed, he noted hitting up to 20 miles per hour last year. Although his speed is a calling card, Allen understands there’s more to it.
"We have to pass protect. That's a running back's job, to make a good pocket for Tyler."
When asked about freshman Mark Fletcher, Allen praised him, saying, "Mark really can be versatile. People just see him as a big guy, but Mark can really run."
Allen opened up about the adversity he faced in his freshman year with a collarbone fracture. "It was a minor setback for me. I hate sitting back and watching, so I come here and compete every day to be better than what I was last year."
