Could Clemson Steal Keenan Allen From Nick Saban and Alabama?

Keenan Allen, welcome to Clemson, SC.

While it may be a little early to count on this five-star recruit to play for the Tigers, it looks like Clemson has a better chance than first thought.  Stealing Allen from Alabama would be a huge coup for Dabo Swinney’s team.

Five-star recruits are rare enough for any programs that don’t play in the SEC and aren’t named Sooners, Longhorns, or Trojans.  Clemson has had their share.  C.J. Spiller, Ricky Sapp, and DaQuan Bowers all turned a few heads when they signed.  Allen would be the cream of a very solid 2010 class that Swinney has assembled.

On the offensive side of the ball, Allen could immediately be a star.  Other than Ford, Clemson’s wide receivers were ineffective last year.  Allen would instantly become a target at wide out.  Alabama still has a guy named Julio Jones.

Allen’s half brother Zach Maynard could factor into the equation at Clemson.  He was the starting quarterback last season at Buffalo who decided to transfer when Turner Gill took the Kansas job.  Nick Saban didn’t offer a scholarship to Maynard.  Swinney did. 

Maynard could see playing time at Clemson.  It is uncertain whether Kyle Parker will return or choose to play professional baseball.  Willy Korn is on his way out the door. 

Tajh Boyd looks to be the next logical starter, should Parker not come back.  That would leave Maynard and Michael Wade to compete for, at the very least, a backup role.

Allen has also been recruited as a defensive back.  The way it looks, he did everything except kick field goals at Northern Guilford High.  Playing two-ways at the college level isn’t common, but it’s hardly unprecedented.  Remember Chris Gamble out of Dillard High in Ft. Lauderdale?  He’s done okay for himself.

Calling Allen a Tiger today may be a bit hasty.  But given Dabo’s history with blue-chip recruits, one would be wise not to bet against it.