Guard still has NFL dream

Member of stellar line awaits call from pros

By Anne McLaren
Assistant Sports Editor

Former Purdue offensive lineman Ian Allen is playing the waiting game this week for something he's been anticipating his whole life.

After not hearing his name in the NFL Draft this weekend, Allen, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive guard, is exploring free agency.

"Minnesota and Kansas City and a few other teams (have expressed interest)," said Allen Monday night. "My agent (Marion Styles) talked to (Kansas City coach) Dick Vermeil today and they're getting stuff together for me."

The fifth-year senior started this past season at right guard for the Boilers. In 1998 and 1999 Allen played as a reserve at offensive guard and on special teams. In 1997, he played in all 12 games as a reserve at defensive tackle and had five solo tackles and four assists.

The past three seasons, Allen was part of a line that allowed a sack an average of once every 42 pass attempts. This past season, quarterback Drew Brees was sacked just nine times in 512 pass attempts.

If Allen is signed to a free-agent contract, he will join three other members of that offensive line in the NFL. On Saturday, left tackle Matt Light was selected in the second round (48th overall pick) by the New England Patriots. On Sunday, center Chukky Okobi was selected in the fifth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers (146th overall pick). In the seventh round, right tackle Brandon Gorin was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the 201st overall pick, the same team that selected Brees with the 32nd overall pick.

As the draft unfolded, however, Allen thought he might go in the second day.

"From what I thought, Minnesota had told me they would try to pick me up in the later rounds or call me up as a free agent in the later rounds, but I guess they found something else," said Allen.

"Right now it doesn't matter (which team), but I would just like that opportunity."

However, even if he isn't selected as a free agent, Allen is exploring other options. He said that Indianapolis' Arena League football team, the Indiana Firebirds, has already contacted him and offered him a contract.

"They want me to come there," said Allen. "Practice is Tuesday and Wednesday."

Allen said the Firebirds said he would challenge for a starting job and probably play right away, even as soon as next weekend.

"I can break the contract with them at any time," said Allen. "That way if anybody calls I can break the contract."

Even if he plays with the Firebirds, he is still looking to make it to the NFL.

"Me and my agent have been calling everyday; they're probably tired of me," said Allen. "But they said that is what you do and somebody is always probably going to need you."

• Former Boiler Jon Blackman signed a free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers Monday. Blackman played at Purdue as a tight end from 1994 to 1997 and spent the last season in the XFL as a defensive tackle.

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Sports editor:
Paul Trembacki

Assistant sports editor:
Anne McLaren

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