Scouting Report: Devon Allen

Phoenix (AZ) Brophy Prep wide receiver Devon Allen

Name: Devon Allen
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Position: Wide receiver
Class: 2013
High school: Phoenix (AZ) Brophy Prep

Notes: Holds offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Colorado State, Duke, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Purdue, Stanford, Tennessee, UCLA, Utah, Vanderbilt, and Washington . . . Claims a 4.5 forty . . . As a junior in 2011, had 44 receptions for 844 yards and 14 touchdowns . . . ESPN 3-star WR, 74 grade, #70 WR . . . Rivals 4-star WR, #15 WR, #129 overall . . . Scout 4-star, #17 WR . . . 247 Sports 3-star WR, 86 grade, #48 WR

Strengths: Good route runner . . . Knows how to set up opposing defensive backs . . . Changes speeds well . . . Good deep speed . . . Fast enough to threaten over-the-top coverage . . . Enough burst to split safeties and force poor pursuit angles . . . Willing blocker . . . Able to catch ball in traffic

Weaknesses: Not a whole lot of wiggle . . . Lacks ability to create plays in small spaces . . . Lacks strength to break tackles and block . . . Needs to improve blocking technique, as many of his blocks could easily be holding penalties . . . Doesn't show much leaping ability or the judgment to catch jump balls

Projection: Split end or slot receiver.  A typical spread offense would likely use Allen at slot receiver, but Michigan's emphasis on the run suggests that a mediocre blocker like Allen would best be used out wide.  He has good straight line speed, but he can be corralled and tackled in tight spaces.  Added strength would be a huge plus for him if he can maintain his speed, because breaking one tackle could set him off to the races in single coverage.  Allen could also help out in the kickoff return game, although he likely lacks the lateral agility needed to return punts.

Reminds me of: Darryl Stonum