East Carolina will be without one of its best players for its upcoming matchup against Florida in the Birmingham Bowl.
According to Brian Bailey of WNCT-TV 9, running back Breon Allen tore his MCL during practice on Wednesday afternoon, prematurely finalizing his Pirates career as one of the most dangerous players with the ball in open space over the last two seasons.
Terrible news on Breon Allen… Believed to be torn MCL… OUT for Birmingham Bowl… More live tonight at 5….
— Brian Bailey (@bbaileywnct) December 31, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsAllen, who transferred from Junior College after the 2012 season, finishes his senior year with 134 carries for 869 yards, an AAC-high 6.5 yards per rush (min. 100), and nine total touchdowns. He had three 100-plus-yard games in 2014, including a 211-yard breakout performance against North Carolina in Week 4.
http://WNCT.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=252800;hostDomain=www.wnct.com;playerWidth=630;playerHeight=385;isShowIcon=true;clipId=10994309;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=Sport;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=fixedGreenville, NC | News | Weather | Sports – WNCT.com
Allen’s absence could play as a huge factor against a Florida defense that ranks No. 13 in the country in rushing yards per game allowed (116.8) and No. 9 in yards per carry (3.16). His big-play ability and explosiveness from the backfield as an asset in the passing game will surely be missed as he averaged 10.77 yards per play and against Power Five competition this season.
My heart goes out to my former teammate @BreonAllen5 after hearing the news from today. Great player BUT an even better person! #ECUstrong
— Tyler Ayers, CSCS (@CoachAyers_CSCS) December 31, 2014
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It’s unfortunate news for both ECU and Allen, and we wish him the best as he enters a four- to- eight-week rehab process before he prepares for 2015 NFL Draft workouts; Allen is projected to be taken in the seventh round as the No. 13 RB prospect.
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