LeQuint Allen Syracuse RB Dominates Spring Game with 150-Yard Performance

LeQuint Allen has emerged as one of the most dynamic running backs in college football. The Syracuse Orange junior has demonstrated remarkable versatility in the backfield, showcasing both power running and receiving abilities that have NFL scouts paying close attention. His 2024 campaign, which featured 1,021 rushing yards complemented by an impressive 521 receiving yards, established Allen as a legitimate dual-threat weapon in modern football offenses.

Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 201 pounds, Allen combines ideal size with exceptional field vision. The Millville, New Jersey native has steadily improved each season with the Orange, wearing the number 1 jersey that reflects his status as a program cornerstone. His patience behind blockers and explosive burst through holes have become hallmarks of Syracuse’s offensive attack.

What separates Allen from other running back prospects is his advanced receiving skillset. In an era where NFL backfields demand versatility, Allen’s ability to split out wide and create mismatches against linebackers makes him particularly valuable. His highlight reel shows a player equally comfortable taking handoffs between the tackles or catching passes in space – precisely the profile that modern NFL offenses covet at the position.

LeQuint Allen: A Promising Talent for Syracuse Football

LeQuint Allen has emerged as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons for Syracuse football in recent years. His journey from New Jersey high school standout to collegiate playmaker showcases his dedication to the sport and natural athletic ability.

Early Life and High School Career

LeQuint Allen hails from Millville, New Jersey, where he established himself as a standout running back at Millville High School. Standing 6-0 and weighing around 180 pounds during his prep days, Allen displayed exceptional vision and versatility that caught the attention of college recruiters.

As a three-star recruit, Allen wasn’t the most highly-touted prospect nationally, but those who watched him compete understood his potential. He carried himself with a chip on his shoulder, often referencing that he’s been an underdog his entire life.

His high school career showcased his ability to both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield—skills that would later define his collegiate playing style.

College Commitment and Syracuse University

Allen committed to Syracuse in 2022, quickly transforming from a promising freshman into one of the program’s offensive centerpieces. By his junior year, he had filled out his frame to a solid 201 pounds while maintaining his quickness and agility.

His time with the Orange was marked by steady improvement and versatility. NFL scouts have taken particular notice of Allen’s route-running ability, with analysts suggesting he projects as a potential passing down back at the NFL level.

Season	Rushing Yards	TDs	Receptions	Receiving Yards
2022	418	4	13	86
2023	895	9	34	197
2024	1,064	11	41	312

Allen’s development culminated in January 2025 when he declared for the NFL draft, leaving Syracuse as one of the most accomplished running backs in recent program history.

Career Highlights and Statistics

LeQuint Allen has established himself as one of Syracuse’s most versatile offensive weapons since joining the Orange. His combination of powerful rushing, reliable receiving skills, and nose for the end zone has made him a standout in the ACC.

Impactful Performances and Rushing Yards

Allen’s rushing prowess has become his calling card at Syracuse. In 2024, he amassed an impressive 1,021 rushing yards on 228 carries, averaging a solid 4.5 yards per attempt. His vision and burst through holes have made him difficult to contain for opposing defenses.

One of Allen’s most memorable performances came when he set a career high with 112 rushing yards in a single game, highlighted by a remarkable 90-yard run. This explosive play stands as the longest run by a Syracuse player since George Davis’ 95-yard dash against Fordham back in 1949.

Against Virginia Tech, Allen showcased his complete skill set with 121 yards rushing and three touchdowns in an overtime victory, demonstrating his ability to perform in clutch situations.

Season	Carries	Rushing Yards	Avg/Carry	Long Run
2024	228	1,021	4.5	90

Receiving Skills and Yards from Scrimmage

Beyond his rushing abilities, Allen has developed into a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield. His soft hands and route-running ability have made him a reliable target in the passing game, accumulating over 500 receiving yards during his Syracuse career.

This dual-threat capability has allowed Allen to rack up substantial yards from scrimmage, making him one of the most productive all-purpose backs in the ACC. NFL scouts have taken notice of this versatility, which has boosted his draft stock considerably.

Allen’s ability to stay on the field for all three downs makes him particularly valuable in today’s game. He’s shown consistent improvement in pass protection as well, rounding out his skill set as a complete back who never has to leave the field.

Scoring Achievements and Touchdowns

Allen’s nose for the end zone has been perhaps his most valuable contribution to the Orange offense. In 2024 alone, he scored 16 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the ACC.

His scoring prowess was evident early in his development. During his senior year of high school, Allen once totaled six touchdowns in a single game, foreshadowing the scoring machine he would become at Syracuse.

Allen’s scoring versatility stands out as well. While most of his touchdowns come on the ground, he’s also shown the ability to find the end zone as a receiver, making him a constant red zone threat regardless of the play call.

NFL draft analysts currently project Allen as a potential mid-round selection, citing his three-down capabilities, production against quality competition, and consistent improvement throughout his college career as reasons why he could make an immediate impact at the next level.

Allen’s Role and Performance in the ACC

LeQuint Allen has emerged as one of the most dynamic offensive players in the ACC. His combination of rushing prowess and receiving ability has made him a cornerstone of Syracuse’s offensive attack.

Contribution to Syracuse’s Offense

Allen established himself as the starting RB for Syracuse and became the offense’s centerpiece during the 2024 season. He rushed for an impressive 1,021 yards and 16 touchdowns while helping lead the Orange to a strong 10-3 record.

His performance in clutch situations particularly stands out. In a thrilling overtime victory against Virginia Tech, Allen scored three touchdowns while accumulating 121 rushing yards on 21 carries.

The coaching staff’s offensive philosophy often seemed to boil down to a simple directive: “Just give LeQuint the ball.”

Allen’s production was remarkable enough to earn him ACC Running Back of the Week honors during the season. His consistent output placed him at the top of the ACC with 17 total touchdowns during the regular season.

Versatile Weapon in Rushing and Receiving

What separates Allen from many of his peers is his dual-threat capability. He’s not just a traditional between-the-tackles runner but a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield.

In one standout performance, Allen ran 19 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns while adding nine catches for 58 yards and two receiving touchdowns. This versatility creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.

Throughout his Syracuse career, Allen has accumulated 848 receiving yards and 6 touchdown catches, showcasing his soft hands and route-running ability.

Allen’s 2024 Statistical Impact:

Category	Total	ACC Rank
Rushing Yards	1,021	Top 5
Rushing TDs	16	1st
Total TDs	17	1st
All-Purpose Yards	1,542	Top 3

NFL scouts project Allen as a mid-round selection in the 2025 draft, with his receiving ability potentially boosting his stock in a league increasingly valuing backs who can contribute in the passing game.

Prospects in Upcoming NFL Draft

LeQuint Allen has emerged as one of the most intriguing running back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of toughness and receiving ability has caught the attention of draft experts and scouts alike.

Draft Analysis and Predictions

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Allen’s draft stock continues to climb. ESPN draft experts are particularly high on his pro prospects, with Mel Kiper Jr. telling viewers to “watch out for him” in the upcoming selection process.

The 6-foot, 204-pound back is praised primarily for his exceptional receiving skills and toughness as a runner. According to recent draft rankings, Allen sits in the upper tier of running back prospects.

NFL.com’s prospect rankings describe him in one word: TOUGH. This quality, combined with his versatility, makes him a potential day two selection.

Draft analysts project Allen as a potential third or fourth-round pick with upside. His proven production at Syracuse and three-down potential give him significant value in today’s pass-heavy NFL offenses.

Skill Area	Grade (1-10)	NFL Comparison
Receiving	8.5	Austin Ekeler
Pass Protection	7.0	James Conner
Vision	7.5	Rachaad White
Breakaway Speed	6.5	Miles Sanders
Power	7.0	Dameon Pierce

Insights From NFL Scouts and Syracuse Coach Fran Brown

Syracuse Coach Fran Brown has been vocal about Allen’s NFL readiness, highlighting his development under offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon’s pro-style system. Brown specifically noted Allen’s growth in pass protection—a critical skill for NFL running backs.

“LeQuint has the most natural hands I’ve seen in a running back,” said an anonymous NFC scout. “His route-running is legitimately at the level of some wide receivers.”

The 33rd Team’s scouting report projects Allen as a “potential passing down back at the NFL level” with “killer routes that put linebackers in a blender.” This specialized skill set could make him particularly valuable to teams looking for a third-down weapon.

Multiple scouts have praised Allen’s competitive toughness and work ethic. His willingness to fight for extra yards and contribute in all phases of the game has impressed talent evaluators during the pre-draft process.

Eligibility and Academics

LeQuint Allen’s journey at Syracuse University has included both athletic excellence and academic responsibilities. His time with the Orange football program was marked by maintaining eligibility standards while balancing the demands of college athletics and classroom requirements.

Educational Achievements and Academic Standing

Allen successfully maintained his academic eligibility throughout his three seasons at Syracuse University. The junior running back from Millville, New Jersey remained in good standing with the university while managing a full course load alongside his football responsibilities.

During his time at Syracuse, Allen pursued his degree while establishing himself as one of the program’s standout athletes. The university has strict academic requirements for student-athletes, and Allen met these standards consistently.

In January 2025, Allen made the significant decision to forgo his final year of college eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft. This choice came after careful consideration of both his academic progress and professional prospects.

Syracuse University typically requires its student-athletes to maintain specific GPA thresholds and make appropriate progress toward degree completion. Allen’s ability to remain eligible through his junior season demonstrates his commitment to academics alongside athletics.

His decision to enter the draft suggests he reached a point where his academic foundation was solid enough to support his transition to professional football, where many NFL teams value prospects who have demonstrated both athletic talent and academic discipline.

Off-Field Interests and Activities

Beyond the gridiron, LeQuint Allen’s character and personal pursuits reveal a young man committed to growth and giving back. His journey at Syracuse has been marked by both challenges and meaningful contributions off the field.

Community Involvement and Personal Development

Allen has demonstrated a growing commitment to community service in the Syracuse area, participating in several youth football clinics that help develop the next generation of talent. These events allow him to connect with young fans while sharing his knowledge of the game.

Following a challenging situation in 2023 where Allen was involved in an altercation defending a teammate from his hometown, he has shown maturity in how he’s addressed the aftermath. The incident resulted in a university suspension and legal charges, but Allen and Syracuse reached a settlement that allowed him to continue his athletic career.

This experience appears to have strengthened Allen’s understanding of consent and conflict resolution. Teammates have noted his increased focus on personal development and leadership in team settings.

When not training or studying, Allen enjoys mentoring younger players on the roster, particularly those from his home state of New Jersey. This mentorship role has earned him respect in the locker room and showcases his development into a complete team leader.

Syracuse Football’s Offensive Dynamics

Syracuse’s offensive firepower goes far beyond LeQuint Allen. The Orange have assembled a versatile attack that creates opportunities for their star running back while threatening defenses through multiple avenues.

The Influence of Quarterback Kyle McCord

Kyle McCord has transformed Syracuse’s passing game since transferring from Ohio State. The senior quarterback has already amassed 2,348 passing yards through the first seven games of the 2024 season with a 68.3% completion rate. His ability to read defenses has been particularly impressive on third downs, where Syracuse converts at a 44% clip.

McCord’s deep ball accuracy (completing 61% of passes traveling 20+ yards) forces defenses to respect the vertical game, creating more running lanes for Allen.

“When you’ve got a quarterback who can put the ball where only his guys can get it, everything opens up,” one ACC defensive coordinator told me last week. “He’s not just a game manager—he’s a legitimate difference maker.”

McCord 2024 Stats	Total	Rank (ACC)
Passing Yards	2,348	3rd
Touchdowns	19	2nd
QB Rating	153.2	4th
300+ Yard Games	4	2nd

The Role of Tight End Oronde Gadsden II

Oronde Gadsden II has emerged as McCord’s favorite target in crucial situations. The 6’5″, 251-pound tight end creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses with his combination of size and athleticism. After missing most of last season with injury, Gadsden has bounced back with 42 receptions for 487 yards.

Gadsden’s blocking has improved dramatically, too. When he’s on the field for running plays, Allen averages 5.8 yards per carry compared to 4.9 when Gadsden is on the sideline.

NFL scouts project Gadsden as a potential third-round selection in the 2025 draft. His route-running precision and contested catch ability translate well to the next level, though questions remain about his top-end speed.

Other Key Offensive Players

Cam Skattebo provides an excellent change-of-pace option in the backfield. The Arizona State transfer excels in short-yardage situations with 8 touchdowns on just 68 carries. His bruising style complements Allen’s agility and vision.

Wide receiver Demetres Samuel Jr. has emerged as Syracuse’s deep threat, averaging 17.3 yards per reception. His ability to stretch defenses vertically creates space underneath for Allen’s receiving work.

The offensive line, anchored by left tackle Fadil Diggs (projected fifth-round pick), has allowed just 11 sacks through seven games. Diggs has permitted only two pressures on 243 pass-blocking snaps—elite efficiency that gives McCord the time he needs to find his weapons downfield.

Defensive back Alijah Clark has even contributed offensively in certain packages, using his speed on jet sweeps and screen passes to keep defenses guessing.

Impact on Team Performance and Records

LeQuint Allen has become a cornerstone of Syracuse’s offense, setting multiple program records while delivering standout performances in crucial games. His versatility as both a rusher and receiver has transformed the Orange’s offensive capabilities.

Setting Seasonal and Career Milestones

Allen shattered Syracuse’s record books, becoming just the fourth running back in college football history to record 1,000 rushing yards, 500 receiving yards, 60 catches and 20 total touchdowns in a single season. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game is unprecedented at Syracuse.

The dual-threat back set new program records for receptions (64) and receiving yards (521) by a running back. What makes Allen special is his consistency – he joined Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo as one of only two players nationally to achieve such balanced production.

Allen’s impact continued throughout the season as he broke school records for most receptions in both a single season and career by a running back during a pivotal performance against Virginia Tech.

Milestone	Achievement
Rushing	1,000+ yards
Receiving	500+ yards, 60+ catches
Total TDs	20+
Program Records	Most receptions and receiving yards by RB

Contributions to Bowl Games and Championships

Allen’s performance in bowl games has been nothing short of spectacular. In his most recent postseason appearance, he finished with 120 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving) along with a 2-point conversion, demonstrating his value in high-pressure situations.

His performances caught the attention of NFL scouts, with Allen making a significant impression at the 2025 Senior Bowl. Former NFL 2,000-yard rusher labeled him as the “gem of the whole draft” among Senior Bowl standouts.

Scouts have noted Allen’s impressive skill set, including his good vision on runs and ability to allow blocks to develop. His hands and route-running upside as a pass catcher have made him a projected early-round pick.

Allen’s consistent production has been crucial to Syracuse’s offensive stability, regularly contributing over 100 all-purpose yards in games throughout his career.

Outlook for the Future

LeQuint Allen’s journey from Syracuse standout to potential NFL draft pick shows promising signs for his professional career. His combination of rushing ability and receiving skills positions him well for the next level of competition.

Potential Career Trajectory Beyond College

Allen enters the 2025 NFL Draft with considerable upside as a dual-threat running back. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him particularly valuable in today’s pass-heavy NFL. NFL draft experts have noted that Allen could be a prospect to watch.

Most mock drafts currently have Allen projected as a mid-round selection, likely going between rounds 3-5. His versatility gives him an edge over one-dimensional backs.

Allen’s ball security has been impressive, with just four fumbles on 514 career carries. This reliability, combined with his receiving skills, suggests he could find an immediate role as a third-down specialist before potentially developing into a more featured back.

The Importance of the Upcoming Spring Scrimmage

The Spring Scrimmage will be a critical showcase for Allen before the draft. NFL scouts will watch closely to evaluate his conditioning, explosiveness, and football IQ in live situations.

Allen needs to demonstrate improved pass protection skills during the scrimmage. This has been a weakness in his game that could limit his early playing time at the next level.

A strong performance could boost Allen’s draft position by as much as a full round. His ability to show versatility in different offensive schemes will be particularly important.

Key Areas to Watch in Spring Scrimmage:

• Pass protection technique
• Route running precision
• Acceleration through holes
• Ball security in traffic
• Physical conditioning

Class of 2026 Prospects

The 2026 running back class looks deep with talent that could follow Allen’s path to the NFL. Several prospects have shown flashes of similar dual-threat capability.

Syracuse’s recruiting efforts have yielded promising young backs who may fill the void left by Allen. The coaching staff has emphasized finding versatile players who can contribute in multiple facets of the offense.

Draft analysts believe Allen could emerge as one of the steals of this draft class, setting a high bar for the 2026 prospects to chase.

LeQuint Allen Career Statistics at Syracuse:

Category	Total	Per Game Avg	Rank in School History
Rushing Yards	2,785	89.8	4th
Receiving Yards	918	29.6	1st (RB)
Total TDs	31	1.0	5th
Games Over 100 Yds	17	–	3rd