Nebraska Football: Austin Allen is the type of leader Huskers need

As spring practices continue this week, I have heard a ton of soundbites that I really like. One of the soundbites on Thursday came from Nebraska football tight end Austin Allen.

Allen was somebody that I was really high on last season. I thought he played well at the position, and I thought he made the most of his opportunities. He served as a bit of a spark plug at the position in that regard. Now, instead of just making the most of his opportunities in playing his position, he is aiming for bigger goals.

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For reference, Allen had 18 catches for 236 yards. Those were both career-highs for him. I wonder what he could have done if Nebraska football elected to throw to the tight end as much as they did towards the tail end of last season.

In any event, Allen did really well with the role that he was given, and I thought he was a lot of fun to watch. He was one of my favorite players to watch, simply because he always seemed to make things happen out of the position when he had the football. He always seemed to make difficult catches as well.

As an upperclassman at a position that has been infused with young talent, he wants to bring a hard-working mentality to the way he plays. That is certainly good to hear, especially because the younger guys are going to be the future of the position. That gives them a good model to follow. One of Allen’s biggest goals is to become a captain for this football team. I not only think that is an admirable goal, I think he can achieve it as well.

Allen elaborated about this on Thursday.

"“Absolutely. It’s for sure something I want to stride for. Being an in-state kid, it means a lot to have your name up on that board in that hallway in the stadium,” Allen said. “It would be a good piece to top off and show all the people that helped me along the way get where I am, whether it be high school or college.”"

I really hope that he works hard enough to reach his goal of being a team captain. He would certainly be a great choice. He has worked hard during his time in Lincoln, and it would be great to see him recognized.

In what is a pivotal year for Nebraska football having a hard-worker like Allen represent the program could be important. The fact that he wants to be a team captain and is striving to be a team captain is the type of attitude I want leading my team.