Michigan State Football: Matt Allen brings much-needed depth back in 2021
Matt Allen is officially returning for a sixth year with Michigan State football and that’s music to Mel Tucker’s ears for 2021.
Matt Allen missed six games in 2020 due to an injury and it really put a damper on what was supposed to be a proper send-off for the fifth-year senior.
He watched as Michigan State finished 2-5 and had to miss a couple of games due to COVID-19 outbreaks in opposing programs. Allen probably expected to have the type of successful career that his brothers Jack and Brian had. Both were All-Big Ten performers and the former was an All-American. Both also made it to the NFL.
On Thursday, Mel Tucker revealed that his preseason starter at center last year would be back for a sixth season.
Tucker said center Matt Allen will be coming back for a sixth year after an injury-shortened 2020. Tucker said Allen has become one of his favorite players.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) January 21, 2021
Not only is this a big development for the depth of the offensive line, it’s also a win in the leadership department. He brings back a ton of leadership and he’s likely to be a captain next year, especially with that glowing endorsement from Tucker.
Nick Samac is one of the better centers in the Big Ten and he proved to be the right option for full-time starter last year, so that could open up a spot at guard for Allen while being the backup center. This is nothing but great news for Michigan State which will need that depth.
Allen played in 11 games as a freshman, 10 games as a sophomore (seven as starter) and started nine games as a junior. He missed six games this past season but will be back to put for starting snaps and lead a (hopefully) improving offensive line in 2021.
Next. Way-too-early depth chart projection for 2021. dark