Training Camp: Marcus Allen Continuing Growth in Secondary

Training Camp Central

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - When defensive coordinator and safeties coach Bob Shoop called Marcus Allen on the Thursday before the Ohio State game last fall, Allen was understandably a little nervous.

Ryan Keiser had just gotten injured at practice, and it was time for Allen to step up.

Keiser was Allen's natural mentor, but the man who had shown Allen the ropes as a true freshman would not return for the rest of the season.

Allen had played in the first six games of his rookie season, but never a full game on defense and never without Keiser to bounce questions off.

Thrust into the starting lineup, Allen grew with each passing rep. He finished fourth on the team with 58 tackles…