Texas Tech University Athletics
Allen Sees Dream Come True in Final Day of NFL Draft
April 27, 2019 | Football
Dakota Allen was picked by the Los Angeles Rams Saturday in the final round of the NFL Draft
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Allen, who was taken with the 251st overall pick, heads west where he will join a Rams organization that most recently played in this year's Super Bowl. He is the first Red Raider to be selected by the Rams since Carl Carter in 1986 when the franchise was in its first stint in Los Angeles.
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In addition, Allen becomes the third Red Raider linebacker to be drafted in the Big 12 era, joining the likes of Will Smith in 2014 and Mike Smith in 2005. Will Smith was the last Tech defensive player to go in the draft as he was similarly taken in the seventh round by the Dallas Cowboys.
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Allen, a native of Humble, Texas, enjoyed a memorable career as a Red Raider that was highlighted by All-Big 12 first team honors as a senior. He was also a second-team honoree as a junior in 2017 in his first season back as a Red Raider.
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Allen wrapped his career with 262 career tackles, including a team-leading 102 in 2017, to go along with 18.5 tackles for a loss, four interceptions, 11 passes defended, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. He battled several injuries late in his senior season but still managed to rank second on the team with 73 tackles.
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A two-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree, Allen earned his Texas Tech degree in management immediately following the 2018 season.
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NFL DRAFT SELECTIONS
Dakota Allen – Los Angeles Rams, 7th Round, No. 251 Overall
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NFL FREE AGENT AGREEMENTS
Preston Gordon – Atlanta Falcons
Antoine Wesley - Baltimore Ravens
??THE PICK IS IN??
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 27, 2019
The @RamsNFL select @dakota_allen40!#WreckEm | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/eZDT9wez24
An incredible journey continues.
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 27, 2019
Best of luck in L.A. with the @RamsNFL, @Dakota_Allen40!
??#WreckEm?? pic.twitter.com/UIOSzyaTDX
Much love from your Red Raider family 4??0??!
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 27, 2019
Congrats @dakota_allen40!
??#WreckEm | #NFLDraft?? pic.twitter.com/8OyRWyWbdQ
A passionate leader that brought the energy every day.
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 27, 2019
Thank you @dakota_allen40!
??#WreckEm | #NFLDraft?? pic.twitter.com/Flza83nWxw
??SIGNED??@PrestonnnG99 signs with the @AtlantaFalcons!#WreckEm pic.twitter.com/lqtKqfF3ka
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 27, 2019
??SIGNED??@antoine_wesley signs with the @Ravens!#WreckEm pic.twitter.com/UFK1KpICbA
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) April 28, 2019
