Allen leaving Cougars to enter NFL draft
Former No. 1 high school quarterback did not keep starting job at A&M, UH
University of Houston quarterback Kyle Allen is skipping his final year of college eligibility to enter the NFL draft, ending a career of great expectations but uneven results.
Once the No. 1 pro-style high school quarterback in the nation at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Ariz., Allen was lured to Texas A&M by Kevin Sumlin with visions of replacing Johnny Manziel.
But in two seasons in College Station, Allen’s performance never matched the five-star rating. He started 20 games, passing for 3,532 yards with 33 touchdowns and 14 interceptions before deciding to transfer to Houston in 2016.
After doing so, Allen sat out one season under coach Tom Herman but was considered the likely successor at quarterback to Greg Ward Jr. for 2017 under coach Major Applewhite after Herman left for the University of Texas.
Allen began last season as the starter, leading the Cougars to a season-opening victory at Arizona and setting a school single-game record for completion percentage, going 31-of-33 (93.9) against Rice.
In between, however,
Allen was prone to the same turnovers that eventually led to his losing the job at A&M. He had a combined six turnovers against Arizona and Texas Tech. In his last start Sept. 23 against Tech, Allen threw two interceptions and lost a fumble before being benched in the fourth quarter and replaced by Kyle Postma.
For the season, Allen completed 76.2 percent of his attempts for 751 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. He played in only two games after losing the job.
Allen, who was not available for comment, made the announcement Thursday morning on Twitter.
“To Texas A&M University and the University of Houston, thank you for giving an out of state kid with desire and love for the game a chance to play,” Allen wrote. “I’m grateful for all the lessons and experience at both of these amazing places.”
During preparation for the Hawaii Bowl last month, Allen admitted things did not go as expected when he arrived at UH.
“Obviously, I didn’t come here to sit on the bench,” Allen said. “But it happens and decisions are made. Obviously, the competitive side of me would love to be on the field.”
UH was expected to enter spring practice with junior D’Eriq King as the starter.
Allen loaded up with 51 credit hours and graduated in December. As a graduate, he could have transferred to another school in search of playing time without having to sit out a season.
Instead he will enter an NFL draft that has a clear top-tier among quarterbacks with Josh Rosen (UCLA), Sam Darnold (USC), Josh Allen (Wyoming) and Heisman Trophy winners Lamar Jackson (Louisville) and Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma).
NFL draft analysts believe Allen will get a look because of his 6-3 frame and arm strength. Most early projections have Allen being selected late in the draft.
“I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me,” said Allen, who has signed with Vayner Sports.
Allen’s departure means UH will enter the spring with only one quarterback (King) on the roster with college experience. He will be joined by redshirt freshman Bryson Smith and incoming freshman Julon Williams. The Cougars are in the market for another quarterback and will host Hebron’s Clayton Tune on an official visit this weekend.