This summer, left tackle Dejon Allen moonlighted as a security guard at a supermarket.
As expected, there were no incidents on his watch.
UH quarterbacks have learned the safest area is under Allen’s protection. In the past two seasons, Allen has relinquished only one sack in 915 drop-back pass attempts.
He also is durable. After redshirting in 2013, when he rotated between the offensive and defensive lines, Allen played in all 39 games the next three seasons. He has started 38 consecutive games.
“I’ve grown a lot,” Allen said. “Just coming in as a freshman and now being a senior, you’re going to have changes.”
He was at guard in 2014 and 2015 before shifting to left tackle in the spring of 2016. At 6 feet 3, Allen is 2 inches shorter than the NFL average for a blind-side blocker. But Allen has the wing span of a 6-7 player. Although Allen projects as a next-level guard or center, his experience at tackle should boost his stock, according to coach Nick Rolovich.
“It’s a real good opportunity because (NFL officials) know he can play tackle in a pinch,” Rolovich said. “He’s a little more versatile. The projections are (to play) inside, but if you get in a bind in a game, at least he’s done it before.”
Offensive coordinator Brian Smith praised Allen’s footwork, agility, punch and tenacity. Rolovich likened Allen to Joel Bitonio, a 6-4 Nevada tackle who was drafted in the NFL’s second round in 2014. Bitonio, now a guard, signed a contract extension with the Cleveland Browns. “Ability-wise, they’re pretty similar,” Rolovich said. “(Allen) is an incredible athlete for a man his size.”
All of Allen’s talents would not have been realized without Latasha Williams’ guidance and strict rules. Allen was raised in Compton, where California dreams are difficult to fulfill. “It’s what you see on TV,” Allen said. “It’s not the safest place to be. It’s whatever you make of it.”
Of the exits, one is through sports. “My junior year of high school, that’s when I realized I could do something with football,” Allen said. “My mom helped to make sure I stayed out of trouble, and made sure I went to school and did the right things. Anyone can go many ways. It’s on you to make the right choices. I made the right choice going to college and playing for the University of Hawaii.”
Allen was even more determined when it took an extra year to meet the requirements to enroll at UH.
“I went through a lot and overcame a lot,” Allen said. “I can’t wait to see what happens next.”
SCOUTING REPORT: OFFENSIVE LINE
The line suffered significant losses when RJ Hollis and Leo Koloamatangi graduated, Elijah Tupai departed to take care of family matters in Utah, Austin Webb suffered a season-ending skin infection, and Kingjames Taylor did not meet eligibility requirements. But line coach Chris Naeole, who preaches cross-training, has culled a potentially quality line. Dejon Allen and Fred Ulu-Perry are athletic tackles; left guard John Wa‘a is quietly reliable, and Asotui Eli is an experienced center. Chris Posa, a transfer from Alabama last year, gets the first shot at right guard. Posa will be pushed by his roommate, JR Hensley, who started at right guard in the Hawaii Bowl. Matt Norman has gained the weight and strength over the past two years. But he needs to stay healthy. There’s a buzz about newcomers Micah Vanterpool, Brandon Kipper and Emil Graves.
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LEFT TACKLE
50 | Dejon Allen | 6-3 | 295 | Sr. | Compton, Calif.
55 | Micah Vanterpool | 6-6 | 285 | Fr. | Phoenix, Ariz.
LEFT GUARD
51 | John Wa‘a | 6-4 | 315 | Sr. | Hau‘ula
59 | Emil Graves | 6-3 | 295 | Jr. | Lynwood, Calif.
CENTER
65 | Asotui Eli | 6-4 | 315 | Jr. | Kailua-Kona
63 | Taaga Tuulima | 6-2 | 280 | Fr. | Ewa Beach
RIGHT GUARD
60 | Chris Posa | 6-4 | 290 | Sr. | Commerce, Mich.
57 | JR Hensley | 6-5 | 310 | So. | Edmond, Okla.
RIGHT TACKLE
64 | Fred Ulu-Perry | 6-2 | 305 | So. | Honolulu
72 | Matt Norman | 6-5 | 270 | Sr. | Monrovia, Calif.
67 | Brandon Kipper | 6-6 | 270 | Fr. | Nampa, Idaho
