Javorius Allen: One-on-One at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans tailback Javorius Allen (37) is pursued by Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Austin Williams (24) on a 44-yard touchdown run in the third quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Did the Ravens find their running back of the future when they selected Javorius Allen in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft? We’ve still got a ways to go before we know that for sure, but the young man who calls himself “Buck” is certainly motivated to grab that title.

Our pal Rick Strom over at 120 Sports got to sit down with the USC alum at the recent NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, and he covered a number of topics with the Ravens new runner, including the origin of his nickname and who will mentor him in Baltimore.

Buck also discusses his insatiable hunger and high expectations that stemmed from his meager upbringing. Raised by his grandmother and growing up poor while watching his brother go to jail attempted murder at the age of 12, there’s no doubt Allen’s motivation is in place.

Allen proved that he could overcome the diversity as a redshirt freshman. After starting out with a D average and playing catchup while taking additional courses to meet NCAA eligibility requirements, Allen quickly brought those grades up by putting in some serious work.

It’s an attitude that should help make him a quick study in the NFL as well.

For more on Javorius Allen’s story, here’s a nice piece composed while he was still a Trojan.

Next: Training Camp Preview: Javorius Allen vs. Lorenzo Taliaferro

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