Wisconsin Football: What You Need to Know About Badgers DT Beau Allen

Beau Allen is going to be a key component for the Wisconsin Badgers defense in 2012.  

The Wisconsin defensive tackle will be expected to not only stuff the run, but also rush the passer.  For the Badgers defense to be one of the best in the country, Allen is going to have to dominate.

Here's everything you need to know about the Badgers defensive tackle.

College Career

Beau Allen has been one of the most consistent Badgers during his time at Wisconsin.  Allen has never missed a game, playing in all 27 of his college career.  Incredibly, he is one of nine Badgers who hasn't redshirted during his career.  

Allen contributed to the Badgers D-line rotation as a freshman, but became a much more dominant player as a sophomore.  He recorded 22 total tackles, 4.5 for a loss and four sacks.  Allen's four sacks were good for second on the team.  

Entering his junior season, Allen is expected to be a major component for the Badger defense.  His pressure from the inside and his ability to stop the run will be extremely important in shutting down opposing offenses.   

High School

Not surprisingly, Beau Allen dominated during his time at Minnetonka High School.  He was All-State both his junior and senior seasons, and he was also a finalist for Minnesota's Mr. Football.  The Minnetonka star was also a nominee for the Gatorade Player of the Year.  

On top of his success on the gridiron, Allen also earned multiple letters in lacrosse and track, including winning a state championship in 2009 while a member of the lacrosse team.

Beau Allen also excelled inside the classroom, becoming a four-year winner of the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for football.  Additionally, Allen was named to the 2009 All-State Academic Team.

Family

Beau Allen's success for the Badgers is no surprise considering he comes from a family of successful Wisconsin athletes.  

Allen's grandfather, Fred T. Westphal, was a six-time All-American as a member of the Wisconsin swim team as well as a charter inductee into the UW Athletic Hall of Fame.  Obviously, Westphal is a member of the Wisconsin Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame.  

Additionally, Beau's uncle, John Westphal, was a two-year letter winner in football for Wisconsin.  

Personal Life

In his free time, Allen is a pretty normal college student.  He enjoys wakeboarding and reading, as well as lifting weights and playing basketball.  

Beau Allen is also pretty funny to follow on Twitter, as he routinely tweets about various team jokes.

Follow him @Beau_Allen.