Antonio Allen
Antonio Allen is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League. He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Allen was selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL draft.
Early life
Allen attended Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala, Florida. Allen earned first-team all-state honors after his senior season at Trinity Catholic.College career
Allen the University of South Carolina from 2008 to 2011. He played linebacker his first two years before switching to safety. He finished his career with 198 tackles, 3.5 sacks, four interceptions and two touchdowns.Professional career
Pre-draft
Allen was considered one of the top safety prospects heading into the 2012 NFL draft.New York Jets (first stint)
The New York Jets chose Allen in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL draft with the 242nd overall pick. Allen came to an agreement with the team on a four-year contract that included a $45,896 signing bonus. Allen was waived on September 1, 2012. He was re-signed to the team's practice squad a day later. Allen was promoted to the active roster on October 12, 2012, after the team placed Darrelle Revis on injured reserve. On November 6, 2012, he was waived after the team re-signed Jason Hill. He was signed to the practice squad two days later after clearing waivers. Allen was promoted to the active roster on December 6, 2012.Allen entered the 2013 preseason competing with newly signed Jaiquawn Jarrett for the starting free safety job. Allen finished the 2013 season with 60 tackles, a sack, and an interception for a touchdown.
Allen was waived by the Jets on August 7, 2015, after suffering an Achilles tendon injury. After clearing waivers, he was placed on injured reserve on August 10, 2015.