Roger Allen is just days away from the day he has dreamed about since he was a child.

Allen is projected to get selected in the upcoming NFL Draft and Allen realizes what an honor that is.

“It’s a huge blessing and I thank God everyday that I am in the situation I am in,” Allen said. “I realize that less than one percent of people that play high school football get to play in the NFL.”

Allen is being looked at as a pro prospect because of his raw power and explosive first step. At his pro day Allen bench pressed 225 pounds 38 times, which put him second only to Texas Tech offensive lineman Louis Vasquez, who benched pressed 225 pounds 39 times.

Allen is looking to become the third, Missouri Western player drafted in the schools history. Former Griffon tight end Gijon Robinson is also playing in the NFL. Allen believes this shows how far the program has come.

“It shows how high caliber of a program Missouri Western has become,” Allen said. “I know guys that are at the college right now that could play in the NFL with

Photo by Marty Ayers

putting in the proper work.”

Allen thinks it would be satisfying just to get drafted in the NFL, but his ultimate dream would be to play for the Kansas City Chiefs.

“That has been my team since I was little,” Allen said. “My parents house in Raytown is ten blocks from Arrowhead Stadium. No matter who I get drafted by I will be completely happy.”

During his career he received many accolades including MIAA Freshman of the Year, many first and second team All-MIAA teams and Division II All-American this past season. Allen left the Missouri Western football program as one of the most decorated athletes in the program’s history.

He will look to make history again as he becomes the first player under head coach Jerry Partridge to be drafted in the NFL.

This shows how far the Griffons have come under the Partridge coaching campaign. This shows that the level of athletes that Missouri Western can attract has started to be on a higher level.

Allen is happy that he can concentrate on football and is happy that all his workouts our now complete. He realizes how blessed he was to compete in the combines.
“It’s been a hurricane experience,” Allen said. “It was a fun experience, but I am now relieved that it is over.”

The NFL Draft will take place April 25-26 on ESPN, ESPN 2 and the NFL Network. Allen is projected as a fifth to seventh round pick. Allen will be watching the Draft at home with his family.