South Carolina Football’s GOAT Series: Top-15 greatest safeties of all-time
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s No. 5 Safety of All-Time:
Antonio Allen
A severely underrated player, Antonio Allen (2007-2011) shared a defense with Gamecock legends like Stephon Gilmore, Melvin Ingram, Eric Norwood, Devin Taylor, Jasper Brinkley, and Cliff Matthews. Allen began his career as a rotational safety before becoming the starter at the spur hybrid linebacker/strong safety spot. After the move, something unlocked within Allen’s game, and he became one of the best defensive players in school history.
Allen made two All-SEC teams in 2010 and 2011, but his 2011 season was unique as he is one of the only Gamecocks to put together a season with 3 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 forced fumbles (he had 4). He also made history along with Melvin Ingram as the teammates became the first pair of SEC teammates ever to score defensive touchdowns in both of the first two games of the season. The big year earned him All-America honors. He had a five-year NFL career in which he started games at strong safety, free safety, nickel, and corner.