USC running backs coach compares Javorius Allen to Bishop Sankey

USC running backs coach Johnny Nansen does not want Javorius Allen to leave after the season.

But Allen, a fourth-year junior, is expected to make himself available for the NFL draft.

“He’s my kind of leader,” Nansen said. “I need him back.”

Nansen compared Allen to former Washington running back Bishop Sankey, who was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Buck is right there with Bishop at this point,” said Nansen, who coached Sankey at Washington.

Allen’s statistics halfway through the season are comparable with Sankey’s in 2013.

Allen has rushed for 781 yards and seven touchdowns in 135 carries. He has 23 receptions for 278 yards and a touchdown.

Sankey rushed for 899 yards and nine touchdowns in 159 carries and caught 14 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown in Washington’s first six games.

“I’m fired up to see how Buck is going to finish out,” Nansen said.

Sankey finished with 1,870 yards rushing and scored 20 touchdowns in 327 carries. He caught 28 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown.

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