Card: Leaf Young Stars 2012
Acquired: 2012, Box Breaker

Dwane Allen was a 2 year starter for the Clemson Tigers. He’s a great pass catching TE who releases off the line effortlessly from a 2 point stance. Dwane declared early after posting 50 receptions for 598 yards and 8 TDs- All career highs in 2011. He finished his Clemson career with 93 receptions for 1079  yards and 12 TDs.  The Indianapolis Colts finished the 2011 season 2-14 after the loss of Peyton Manning. It was obvious that they needed to bulk up at nearly every position. Their first 3 picks were devoted to offense, with Andrew Luck, Coby Fleener, and then Dwane Allen in the 3rd.

It was expected that Colby was going to be Luck’s primary TE since they had played college ball together, but surprisingly Allen came along sooner than expected. Dwane broke the Colts rookie TE record for catches with 45. He’s a great target for the Colts and they utilize him out of the backfield, in motion off tackle, and the infrequent TE screen.  Dwane is a great example of the ‘next generation’ of tight end that is taking the league by storm. He’d lose nearly 100% of his 2013 season to injury and be shelved for 14 games.

As the focus wanes on the New England tight end package of Gronkowski and Hernandez, many have pointed to the AFC South as the next hotbed for such a sensation to take off- even suggesting that Allen could be the next rising star.