BleedGopher
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per this update from Marcus Fuller:
Dual-sport athlete Allen getting comfortable
By Marcus Fuller
October 8, 2009 9:07 AM
Gophers basketball practice starts in two weeks, but freshman dual-sport athlete Bryant Allen is totally focused on how he can help his current football teammates win.
Allen, a backup wide receiver, hasn't caught a pass yet this season, but he's Minnesota's starting punt returner. His longest punt return this season was a 22-yarder against Northwestern, but Allen said he hopes to break one for a touchdown soon.
"At Northwestern when I got that 22-yard return my confidence went up," the Maplewood, Mo., native said. "I feel more comfortable back there now, so when I get the opportunity I'm going to take it to the house."
As a high school senior, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound Allen had five return touchdowns (four punt returns and one kickoff return). His 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash is the fastest on Minnesota's football team.
Allen is looking forward to playing basketball for Tubby Smith this season, but he said the plan is definitely for him to wait until after the football season to join the team. Allen said he expects that to be after a bowl game.
"I've been talking to both coaches," he said. "They said when I'm doing football, then I'm with football. If we make it to a bowl game, then during that week we get a rest I would get to go to basketball and watch. That way I won't get behind on the basketball side."
A three-star hoops recruit, Allen should give Smith a solid defender and scorer at the point guard position. He's a great option to add depth, but returning junior starter Al Nolen and freshman Justin Cobbs will likely be ahead of him.
"They're pretty excited to get me out there," Allen said about his basketball teammates. "I can't wait to be with them."
http://blogs.twincities.com/gophers/2009/10/dual-sport-allen-getting-comfo.html
Go Gophers!!
Dual-sport athlete Allen getting comfortable
By Marcus Fuller
October 8, 2009 9:07 AM
Gophers basketball practice starts in two weeks, but freshman dual-sport athlete Bryant Allen is totally focused on how he can help his current football teammates win.
Allen, a backup wide receiver, hasn't caught a pass yet this season, but he's Minnesota's starting punt returner. His longest punt return this season was a 22-yarder against Northwestern, but Allen said he hopes to break one for a touchdown soon.
"At Northwestern when I got that 22-yard return my confidence went up," the Maplewood, Mo., native said. "I feel more comfortable back there now, so when I get the opportunity I'm going to take it to the house."
As a high school senior, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound Allen had five return touchdowns (four punt returns and one kickoff return). His 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash is the fastest on Minnesota's football team.
Allen is looking forward to playing basketball for Tubby Smith this season, but he said the plan is definitely for him to wait until after the football season to join the team. Allen said he expects that to be after a bowl game.
"I've been talking to both coaches," he said. "They said when I'm doing football, then I'm with football. If we make it to a bowl game, then during that week we get a rest I would get to go to basketball and watch. That way I won't get behind on the basketball side."
A three-star hoops recruit, Allen should give Smith a solid defender and scorer at the point guard position. He's a great option to add depth, but returning junior starter Al Nolen and freshman Justin Cobbs will likely be ahead of him.
"They're pretty excited to get me out there," Allen said about his basketball teammates. "I can't wait to be with them."
http://blogs.twincities.com/gophers/2009/10/dual-sport-allen-getting-comfo.html
Go Gophers!!