Texas Tech University Athletics
CBS Sports Ranks Allen at No. 14 Among 2018 Returners
January 19, 2018 | Football
Dakota Allen was the highest-ranked linebacker in CBS Sports’ poll of returning players for 2018
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech senior linebacker Dakota Allen was ranked Friday at No. 14 in CBS Sports' poll of the top-25 players returning for the 2018 season. The rankings were compiled using season-long grades from Pro Football Focus along with others stats and information.
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Allen was the highest-ranked linebacker in the poll and ranked No. 4 among Big 12 players behind Iowa State running back David Montgomery at No. 12, Kansas State offensive lineman Dalton Risner at No. 8 and West Virginia quarterback Will Grier at No. 6 overall.
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An All-Big 12 second team selection this past season, Allen was instrumental for a Tech defense that ranked among the most-improved units in the country. The Red Raiders ended the year ranked sixth nationally with 29 total takeaways, four of which came from Allen alone.
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Allen's return to Texas Tech was met with rave reviews after he led the Red Raiders with 102 tackles this past season, including six that went for a loss. He added a pair of sacks to go along with four pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
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Over his two seasons as a Red Raider, Allen has recorded 189 tackles altogether after recording 87 during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2015. He has four interceptions and a pair of sacks during that time as well.
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Allen will be one of 10 defensive starters to return for the Red Raiders next season as Tech lost just nose tackle Mychealon Thomas due to graduation. Tech will kick off spring practices in early March in preparation for the Sept. 1 season opener against Ole Miss in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff.
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Allen was the highest-ranked linebacker in the poll and ranked No. 4 among Big 12 players behind Iowa State running back David Montgomery at No. 12, Kansas State offensive lineman Dalton Risner at No. 8 and West Virginia quarterback Will Grier at No. 6 overall.
Â
An All-Big 12 second team selection this past season, Allen was instrumental for a Tech defense that ranked among the most-improved units in the country. The Red Raiders ended the year ranked sixth nationally with 29 total takeaways, four of which came from Allen alone.
Â
Allen's return to Texas Tech was met with rave reviews after he led the Red Raiders with 102 tackles this past season, including six that went for a loss. He added a pair of sacks to go along with four pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Â
Over his two seasons as a Red Raider, Allen has recorded 189 tackles altogether after recording 87 during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2015. He has four interceptions and a pair of sacks during that time as well.
Â
Allen will be one of 10 defensive starters to return for the Red Raiders next season as Tech lost just nose tackle Mychealon Thomas due to graduation. Tech will kick off spring practices in early March in preparation for the Sept. 1 season opener against Ole Miss in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff.
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— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) January 19, 2018
At No. 14 of @CBSSportsCFB's top-25 returning players for 2018 is our very own Dakota Allen! #WreckEm #806D pic.twitter.com/sGB0mvPHf3
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