Hog Calls

Hogs QB Allen gets some outside praise

Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen (10) throws a pass against Texas during the first half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

FAYETTEVILLE -- Before the Manning Award became the only award naming Brandon Allen to a preseason watch list, Arkansas' senior starting quarterback was praised by the patriarch Manning.

Archie Manning, the Ole Miss All-American quarterback (1968-70) and longtime former New Orleans Saints quarterback and the father of current NFL quarterback greats Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, saw Allen participate at the Manning Camp earlier this month.

At the Razorbacks' SEC media days session in Hoover, Ala., in July, Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema briefly commented on Allen's Manning Camp participation. He also spoke briefly in Hoover regarding current St. Louis Rams quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke working with Allen two years ago while Weinke directed the IMG Madden Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Bielema amplified on Allen and his NFL mentors while addressing a July 22 gathering of advertisers sponsored by the NWA Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

"It's been fun to see him get a little recognition," Bielema said.

Quarterbacking Bielema's 3-9 overall/0-8 SEC debut in 2013, Allen didn't hear much praise outside of his coaches in a season hampered by a painful shoulder injury.

He heard praise from Weinke between the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Russell Wilson, the 2013 and 2014 Super Bowl quarterback for Seattle who played for Bielema at Wisconsin in 2011, is a Weinke disciple.

Now Allen is, too.

"When B.A. came back he said, 'I learned more in five days than you could ever imagine,'" Bielema said.

Weinke was impressed with Allen being a quick learner, but also his raw talent.

"Chris called me after he had been there four or five days," Bielema said. "He said, 'Bret, this kid has every throw in the book. He can throw to the right. He can throw to the left. He's got intermediate. He's got a deep ball. The only time he gets in trouble is when his feet get out of whack.' I took notice when a guy I really respect said, 'He's got everything he needs.'"

Allen parlayed the praise to throwing 20 touchdowns vs. five interceptions in 2014 while the Hogs improved to 7-6 capping with Allen MVP in the 31-7 Texas Bowl victory over Texas.

Although only at the Manning Camp in Thibodaux, La., a day and a half so he could attend the wedding in Fayetteville, Allen impressed there, too.

Bielema said Archie Manning text messaged approval. Others responded favorably, too.

"I have several friends who are coaches who were at the camp," Bielema said. "The report I got back is he was one of the top five throwers there. Some of the guys around the country who get a little more recognition didn't throw it as well or close to what B.A. threw on time and in rhythm on routes that are common quarterbacks throws. I think it proved to B.A. he is a quarterback that can make a statement in this league really overnight."

Sports on 07/29/2015