Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Football: 5 players who will be All-Big Ten performers in 2017

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Brian Allen (65) points out coverage before the snap of the ball during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Brian Allen (65) points out coverage before the snap of the ball during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

How can one family continue to provide so much talent at the collegiate level? A couple of years ago, Jack Allen was named the runner-up for the Rimington Trophy — commemorating the nation’s best center. He was an All-American and led the Spartans to the College Football Playoff.

Jack’s younger brother, Brian Allen, was one of the top up-and-coming linemen in the conference. He had just come off a Freshman All-American season in 2014 and he was a crucial member on an already-impressive offensive line. He joined the likes of his older brother, Donavon Clark, Kodi Kieler and Jack Conklin.

Brian had the opportunity to learn from these guys and become more of a leader and effective blocker in the trenches. He can more than hold his own and proved that as the line’s top performer in a disappointing 2016 season for the unit. While it’s not saying much that he was the best lineman on a so-so unit, he was also one of the Big Ten’s best.

In fact, he was named second-team All-Big Ten and looked like a future NFL center. He’s set to follow his brother’s footsteps and he’s already doing so as he was named to the Rimington Trophy preseason watch list. Can he win the trophy?

Home/Spartans Football