Player Profile: Asher Allen Georgia CB

Pros: Allen is explosive and shows great agility. The former Bulldog plays bigger than his 5’9” frame and he does not shy away from bigger receivers. Allen is a solid tackler despite his lack of size. He has a lot of potential for improvement. He’s a very instinctive player, who steps on to the field looking to make things happen. One also has to love his toughness, as the corner did not miss time as a junior despite a broken hand. Allen has good acceleration and should have success in the NFL retuning kicks setting a school record with 690 kick return yards as a sophomore. Character and work ethic are pluses.

Cons: Could have benefited greatly with another year at Georgia. He relies too much on his natural ability to make plays and often goes for the pick instead of the deflection. Ball skills are a weakness, as he shows poor hands, does not catch passes smoothly and allows potential interceptions to bounce off his body up into the air. Allen shows too much confidence against taller receivers and loses too often on jump balls in the end zone—he is susceptible to giving up the big play.

Scouts Take: Allen is an intriguing prospect because of his natural ability and potential to get better. It will take time for him to settle down and learn the proper techniques. Despite his bad hands on defense, he fields kicks cleanly and should be an instant upgrade for the special teams. Asher should go off the board early on day two. The former Bulldog contributed from day one in Athens and should be a starter in the near future with the potential to be an above average player in the NFL.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Breaking News: Allen Leaves the Dawg House

ATHENS, Ga. --- University of Georgia junior cornerback Asher Allen announced on Tuesday afternoon that he will be entering the 2009 NFL Draft.

“This was the hardest decision of my life because of my love and respect for Georgia and everyone who is affiliated with Georgia, including the fans, my teammates, my coaches, the academic staff and everyone else ,” Allen said. “I have been chasing this dream of playing in the NFL and after making this decision with my family, I feel like I am ready for this next step. But I owe everyone the world who has helped me out during my time at Georgia.”

Allen, a 5-10, 198-pound native of Tucker, Ga., started all 13 games this past season for the 10th-ranked Bulldogs and ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 53. Also, he led the team with seven pass breakups and had one fumble recovery.

His final game as a Bulldog resulted in a team-high nine solo tackles, including one sack, during Georgia’s 24-12 win over #19 Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 1.

Allen was one of 13 semifinalists for the 2008 Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top defensive back. He was also named to Phil Steele’s 2008 All-Southeastern Conference Third Team.

In 2007, Allen finished second on the team in tackles with 64. Overall, Allen started the past 24 games at Georgia. He finished with 141 tackles (114 solo, 27 asst.) and three interceptions, including two against #10 Hawaii in the 2008 Sugar Bowl, in his career. Allen excelled as a kick returner too, setting a school record with 28 returns for 690 yards in 2007.

“Asher Allen has been a great part of our football team as well as our overall athletic program over the past three years,” head coach Mark Richt said. “We will certainly miss him, however we wish him the very best in the NFL draft and with his professional football aspirations in the future.”

Allen joins quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno as Bulldog underclassmen entering the 2009 NFL draft.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media