(NFL Combine) LeQuint Allen: An underdog story
Photo by Getty Images via thenewshouse.com
LeQuint Allen has once again found himself in familiar territory—an underdog. The 6'0", 205-pound running back may not be the biggest or fastest player on the field, but his toughness, versatility, and relentless work ethic make his ceiling sky-high.
Nicknamed "Hunnit" as a child for always giving 100% effort, Allen's intensity is evident on tape. He made an immediate impact upon arriving at Syracuse, bursting onto the scene in his freshman season with a 90-yard run, the longest in the program since 1949. Over his sophomore and junior years, he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each season, cementing himself as a key playmaker.
Throughout his collegiate career, Allen amassed 514 carries for 3,359 yards and 26 touchdowns. His touchdown total ranks ninth in program history, and he joined an elite group, becoming one of only six running backs to record back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Syracuse.
However, it's not just Allen's rushing ability that has scouts and coaches intrigued, it's his skills as a receiver. Over his career, he tallied 119 receptions for 848 yards and six touchdowns, making him one of the most versatile backs in college football.
Despite his production, Allen remains overlooked, a role he has embraced. "When it's time to go, I'ma roll. I'm always going to be an underdog, that's just who I am, that's how I came up," Allen said. His journey to this point has been anything but smooth. Though a Gatorade Player of the Year in high school, he was rated as just a three-star recruit, and his promising start at Syracuse was nearly derailed by off-the-field adversity.
In 2022, Allen was involved in a fight with another Syracuse student, and the following year, in February 2023, his father passed away. At the time, Allen was in the middle of an appeals process regarding a suspension handed down by the university. The suspension, effective as of May 15, 2023, sidelined him for the fall semester, meaning he would miss his sophomore season.
Determined to fight for his future, Allen filed a lawsuit against the university on June 26, 2023, seeking to have his suspension lifted. By July, an agreement was reached, allowing him to return to classes in the fall and rejoin the team in August. Originally charged with third-degree assault, Allen's case was ultimately settled with an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, in other words; his record was expunged, and the case was dropped.
Despite these challenges, Allen returned stronger than ever. He earned All-ACC honors for the first time following the 2023 season. But it was in 2024 that he truly shined. Under new head coach Fran Brown and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, Allen recorded 64 receptions for 521 yards in addition to his 1,000 rushing yards. He was one of only two players in the nation to achieve such a feat, alongside Arizona State's Cam Skattebo. Once again, Allen earned All-ACC recognition.
"Just being where my feet are and knowing my father isn't here... He always wanted me to do this, and that's what I'm doing, just making him proud," Allen said.
Now a 2025 NFL Draft prospect, Allen has the tools to thrive at the next level. While his top-end speed could improve, at only 20, he hasn't reached his physical peak yet. Also, his running style wears down defenses throughout a game. Some of his best performances came in the latter stages of contests, but don't take my word for it; turn on the film against UNLV, Virginia Tech, or top-20 opponent Miami.
"I think Coach Nixon's a really good football coach, and he was able to just snap back into his own and get going," Coach Fran Brown said after the Miami victory. "Not saying he was off, but it wasn't clicking. So we had to go in there, get back to the basics, and honestly give the best football player the ball."
Who was Brown referring to? You guessed it, LeQuint Allen.
Allen's ability as both a runner and receiver makes him a valuable asset at the next level. My pro comp for Allen; Alvin Kamara. Kamara, an often-undervalued running back because of elite receiving skills, also has remarkable balance and outstanding toughness. While this isn't to say Allen will become Kamara, his playing style mirrors that of the Saints' star. Ask Allen who he models his game after, and he'll name Kamara—along with Christian McCaffrey.
Syracuse has five prospects at the 2025 NFL Combine, along with a few others who didn't receive invitations. But among them, Allen might just be the most NFL-ready, day-one prospect to come out of the university this year.
