Countdown to Kickoff: 26 Days ‘Til Gamecock Football

Oct 1, 2011; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Antonio Allen (26) against the Auburn Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2013 season quickly approaches, South Carolina fans have much to look forward to.  Specifically, watching Jadeveon Clowney and the rest of the Gamecock defense.  In recent seasons, stout defensive play has proven to be the “calling card,” of the Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks.  We stand 26 days away from the Gamecock’s opener with North Carolina and will take a look back at an under-rated former defensive stud for South Carolina: linebacker turned safety, Antonio Allen.

Antonio Allen was a silent killer on the defensive side of the ball for the Gamecocks.  As a four-year player for South Carolina, Allen started his career playing linebacker.  In those two seasons, Allen totaled 40 tackles for the Gamecocks.  However, Allen would prove that he would be a much better fit and impact player as a safety.   Moved to the safety position before the 2010 season, Allen would flourish and provide the Gamecocks with vital playmaking ability.

At the safety position, Allen would tally 122 tackles, force four fumbles, and score three touchdowns in two seasons.  While most of they hype was attributed to the defensive line,  Antonio Allen provided the South Carolina defense with vocal leadership and a will to win.  Allen seemed to be all over the field in the 2011-12 season, scoring and making big plays in crucial moments in multiple games, en route to the Gamecocks first eleven-win season in school history.

Game day is quickly approaching, and the Gamecocks will again look for players to step up and make big plays in huge moments.  One of the players that South Carolina was fortunate enough to have step up was Antonio Allen.  As we remember Allen, look for another Gamecock to step up and be a leader for South Carolina this season.