UH lineman and NFL Draft hopeful Allen has already made his mother proud

Of all the accomplishments associated with former University of Hawaii offensive lineman Dejon Allen — 4.95 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 811⁄4-inch wing span — the most significant is his college degree.

“If nothing else, I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Latasha Williams said of the eldest of her five children who graduated in December. “If he makes it to the NFL, that’s another part of his book that’s written, and I’ll be ecstatic with that. But if he doesn’t do anything else, he’ll always have his degree. Words can’t describe how proud I am of him getting a degree.”

The wide-spread belief is Allen will earn a shot with an NFL team as anywhere from a mid-round draft selection to a free-agent signing.

All but one of the 32 NFL teams have evaluated Hawaii’s 2018 pro prospects. Allen and safety Trayvon Henderson are viewed as potential draft selections. Running back Diocemy Saint Juste, defensive end Meffy Koloamatangi and tight end Metuisela ‘Unga are regarded as possibilities to receive free-agent offers.

Allen has been praised for his versatility, strength and quickness. He played his first two UH seasons at guard, the last two years at left tackle. This past season, he was used as a defensive lineman in goal-line situations.

Scouts insist Allen, who is 6 feet 2 and 299 pounds, is a better fit at guard or center. He has practiced snapping the past few months. But in a pinch, he is capable of playing tackle in the pros because of his reach (323⁄4) and footwork (4.83 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle). At UH’s pro day in March, Allen impressed the 29 NFL scouts with his 40-yard dash. One scout clocked Allen at 4.95 seconds.

“I’ve always been fast,” said Allen, who ran a sub-4.9 during a training session. “When I was a kid, I was always able to keep up with the little guys. I was a little guy who got big. … So now I’m strong and fast.”

Allen also has proven his perseverance. As a senior at Dominguez Hills High in Compton, Calif., Allen signed a letter of intent with the Warriors on Feb.1, 2012. But Allen did not meet the full requirements to enroll at UH that fall, Instead of enrolling at a junior college, he completed the work necessary to earn NCAA eligibility and joined the Warriors in June 2013.

During his UH career, he was in the opening lineup in 49 of 50 games, including a stretch of 42 consecutive starts.

The NFL Draft is today through Saturday, with free-agent offers extended shortly after. Allen said he is hoping for the best but keeping his expectations at a minimum.

“I try to keep my mind on being a free agent, so if I’m (drafted), I’ll be amazed,” Allen said. “I don’t want to be too hyped on being drafted, and if I don’t, it’ll hurt my soul. I’m preparing myself for the worst. I’m also preparing myself for whatever comes.”