Former USC tailback Javorius Allen projected as mid-round NFL pick

USC running back Javorius Allen breaks through the line for a big run in the first half against Utah.

By Lindsey Thiry

Feb. 16, 2015 4:17 PM PT

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock projected former USC tailback Javorius Allen as a fourth- or fifth-round selection in the draft, but said he could be picked earlier because of physical attributes.

“He is so big and strong,” Mayock said Monday during a teleconference with reporters.

Allen, 6 feet 1 and 220 pounds, rushed for 1,489 yards and 11 touchdowns in a season of “heavy production,” Mayock said. He also caught 41 passes, one for a touchdown.

Allen, 23, declared for the draft with a season of college eligibility remaining.

Mayock said this year’s draft was deep at running back. He listed Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon, Georgia’s Todd Gurley, Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah, Miami’s Duke Johnson and Indiana’s Tevin Coleman as the top five prospects.

Allen emerged in 2013 after Ed Orgeron took over as interim coach in place of the fired Lane Kiffin. He rushed for 785 yards and 14 touchdowns and was voted as the team’s most valuable player.

Allen was invited to the NFL combine Feb. 17-23 in Indianapolis.

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