Allen, the Huskers’ first scholarship signee from Massachusetts since fullback Grant Miller in 2002, caught 36 passes for 660 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior.
“Great thing about Taariq is he loves to be coached," Rivers School coach Rich Fisher said. "He wants to do right. So those kids are easy.”
The Huskers found out about Allen when he attended a Nebraska camp in June 2010, partly because of a tie between Fisher and Nebraska coach Bo Pelini. They first met when Pelini was an assistant with New England and Fisher’s best friend, Ted Johnson, was playing linebacker for the Patriots.
Allen was briefly committed to Connecticut before having second thoughts in September 2010. He also had offers from Wisconsin and Tulane. Allen also plays safety for the Rivers School but expects to be a receiver in college.
“I think there’s more to show," Allen said. "When I get out to Nebraska there’s going to be way more competition and I’m going to have to push myself further, and that’s when you’re going to surprise yourself.”
Rivals.com ranks Allen as a three-star prospect and the No. 5 player coming out of Massachusetts. Just a two-star according to Scout.com, which lists him as the No. 221 receiver overall.
Our take: Fisher calls Allen a “dynamic offensive weapon” but also said his athleticism, size and ball skills translate well to safety (made 60 tackles and intercepted four passes as a senior). “He can play on either side there, I really believe that,” Fisher said. A bit of a late bloomer, so he might be somebody who needs a year in the system to get settled. Also looks to be somebody who could return kicks or punts. Rare find for the Huskers in the New England area.
Photo Credit: Tim Morse