The Purdue secondary is a work-in-progress, especially at the cornerback spot. Incoming freshman Cameron Allen knows that. And he hopes to make an impact ... now.
The 6-1, 185-pound Allen is an elite athlete who starred on both sides of the ball at Graham High in Bluefield, Va. Allen led Graham High--a small school (600 enrollment) that plays in the Class 2 level--on a 14-game win streak and to the state championship, the G-Men’s first title since 1995. Allen combined for nearly 4,500 yards at quarterback and accounted for 61 touchdowns in 2018, the third most in Virginia history. He was named the Class 2 Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year.
Allen comes from a close family. His mother supervises teachers and his father works for a company that produces coal mining equipment. Allen has two older half-brothers, one is married with a baby.
GoldandBlack.com visited with Allen for an Entrance Interview.
GoldandBlack.com: Why Purdue?
Cameron Allen: I felt like I was a late-bloomer. I felt I could play for anyone in the country. Purdue was the biggest offer for me. And going up, seeing the campus and coaching staff, and them welcoming me, I wanted to make the most of the chance I got. I committed right before the season started
GoldandBlack.com: If not Purdue, where would you have gone?
Cameron Allen: Marshall, Virginia, Liberty and Air Force.
GoldandBlack.com: How would you describe your style?
Cameron Allen: In high school, I played cornerback and safety. In college, they are going to look at me as a corner. It’s easy for me to know route patterns since I played quarterback, too. I use my length and IQ of the game and athleticism to make plays on the ball. I think I have good ball skills.
GoldandBlack.com: Do you like to hit?
Cameron Allen: Oh, yes. That may be the best thing about my game. Coming down and filling the alley, trying to knock someone’s head off.
GoldandBlack.com: Do you pattern your play after any NFL defensive backs?
Cameron Allen: (Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB) Vernon Hargreaves is a guy. He was at Florida. He is a guy I wanted to play like. He likes to get up in your face.
GoldandBlack.com: Are you upset that CB coach Derrick Jackson left to be DC at Northern Illinois?
Cameron Allen: We talked when I went for my visit. He told me what he thought I could be. It’s a business. He got a better job with more money, probably. But I had a better relationship with (co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach) Anthony Poindexter.
GoldandBlack.com: Did the staff say you would redshirt or play in 2019?
Cameron Allen: They expect most of the freshmen to come in and compete to play. We are rebuilding the program, especially the defensive back spots. They are kinda weak. Me, Marv (Marvin Grant), Nyles (Beverly) and Jalen (Graham) want to come in and start working hard and get ready for playing time.
GoldandBlack.com: You are part of a four-man DB class along with Marvin Grant, Jalen Graham and Nyles Beverley. Do you all talk?
Cameron Allen: We all have a group chat. We always talk, like regular friends. Getting closer.
GoldandBlack.com: What number will you wear?
Cameron Allen: Coaches asked me for my favorite numbers. I said 10, 5 and 1. They have me at No. 5 now.
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GoldandBlack.com: What other sports do you play?
Cameron Allen: Basketball and baseball. I am a point and shooting guard, averaging 19 points. I have some dunks on my highlights. Baseball probably is my best sport, but I won’t play this summer. I want to get ready for football so I can make an impact. I was a shortstop and batted third. I hit around .650.
GoldandBlack.com: What type of numbers did you have at quarterback in 2018?
Cameron Allen: I had 2,591 passing yards, 30 TDs and 1,989 rushing yards, 27 TDs. State offense and defense player of the year. On defense, I didn’t see much action because defenses threw away from me. I had 87 tackles, eight interceptions, three pick-sixes.
GoldandBlack.com: When will you get to campus?
Cameron Allen: June 9. Right now, all I do is go school, work out after school for my sport, lift weights, go home, eat. I won't play baseball. I am getting ready for football. I have been playing since I was 4. I am ready to get going at Purdue.
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