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Kyle Allen discusses decision to leave school early, join Carolina Panthers

By Brandon Scott

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 30: Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 30: Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen bet on himself when nobody else would.

Kyle Allen began his collegiate career at Texas A & M before transferring to play with Houston his junior season. Starting three games, winning two, Allen was faced with a difficult decision as his coach wanted to go in another direction but he had one year of eligibility remaining. Ultimately, he elected to enter the NFL Draft and after not being selected was signed by the Carolina Panthers as a free agent.

Behind franchise quarterback Cam Newton, Allen was buried under a handful of signal callers while coach Ron Rivera searched for a serviceable backup. After playing only the final half of the entire preseason, Allen was signed on the practice squad to begin the year.

A week later he was released, returning home to Arizona uncertain about his future in football. Fast forward about two months and the bet Allen made to leave college may pan out to be the move of a lifetime, putting him in a place to be successful.

Newton battled shoulder soreness and complications from a nagging rotator cuff injury that eventually forced him to miss the final two games of the season. After starting 6-2, the team dropped six in a row and during the stretch Allen was signed back to the practice squad on October 30 as insurance.

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Once Newton was shut down, Allen got activated but still found himself behind Taylor Heinicke, who had supplanted incumbent Garrett Gilbert to start the season behind No. 1 on the depth chart. Heinicke performed well but injuries forced Allen onto the field for four pass attempts in Week 16 and the start of Carolina’s final regular season game.

Just a few weeks from not knowing if his NFL dream had vanished, Allen led the Panthers into New Orleans to face the NFC South divisional champions. A stellar performance raised eyebrows in the front office as Allen completed 16 of his 27 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Carolina scored points on each of their four, first-half possessions leading the Saints 23-0 at the break and eventually winning 33-14.

Allen did suffer a shoulder injury of his own that forced him from the game late but it isn’t expected to be a long-term concern and he should be back to compete for a full time backup role next season.

Recently, Allen sat down with Jim Rome to address his decision about leaving college early and attempting to make it in the NFL.

Next. Free Agent Receiver Options. dark

Facing a full offseason and second stint in the same professional system, it may be Allen who unseats a front-runner for the spot behind Newton next year.

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