By , Michael Wayne Bratton
Published April 28, 2016
Despite receiving a second round grade by the advisory board for the upcoming NFL Draft, Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen announced over the weekend he would return for his senior season. Allen lead the Crimson Tide in sacks in 2015 but after speaking to several confidants, determined a return would in his best interest.
Allen recently spoke to ESPN to discuss his decision, which ultimately came down to improving his stock and returning to defend the Tide's latest national title:
The First Team All-SEC lineman sought the advice of his head coach Nick Saban, as well as senior teammate and fellow defensive lineman Jarran Reed before making his final decision:
In the interview, Allen also revealed he plans to undergo surgery to his labrum, something that could have potentially hurt his stock heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. Allen intends to buy insurance for next season in case he is injured and costs himself an ideal draft position next season.
Despite the departures of several key players from the national title team, the Alabama front seven could be just as devastating next season with all the talented prospects the team has been able to recruit to Tuscaloosa. If Allen can once again lead his team in sacks, this time without A'Shawn Robinson lined up next to him, it's hard to imagine the senior not being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jonathan-allen-talks-about-why-he-decided-to-come-back-for-2016