Some may still be unfamiliar with the name Keenan Allen, but San Diego Chargers fans are becoming better acquainted with this rookie receiver. Allen stole the spotlight when the Chargers battled the Colts in week 6, racking up 107 receiving yards and a touchdown. Following his breakout performance, Allen was crowned rookie of the week on ESPN.
The Bolts’ season seemed to be doomed when they lost their top two receivers—Malcolm Floyd and Danario Alexander—to season-ending injuries. However, the rise of Allen quickly excited Chargers fans and gave them hope for the future.
Allen said in a recent interview that "[
his] connection with Chargers QB Philip Rivers on the field has grown overnight", but they really had no choice but to establish chemistry that quickly, considering how fast Allen was thrown into the mix.
Allen, a graduate of UC Berkeley, was drafted by the Bolts in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. After excelling at Cal, most analysts projected good things from Allen, but he’s already exceeded expectations just months into his NFL career.
Allen claims he wouldn’t be the football player that he is today without the guidance of his mentor—one of the greatest Chargers of all time, Wes Chandler. Chandler holds a spot in the Chargers Hall of Fame, as well as the team record for most receiving yards in a game (he’s in second place on that list as well). In his seven season with the Chargers, Chandler had 373 catches for 6,132 yards and 41 touchdowns—he knows a thing or two about football, and Allen knows he’s fortunate to work closely with a legend.
Allen seems to have the right resources to help him excel, and Chargers fans will be hoping he keeps up the good work. Although San Diego is steadily rising after a slow start, they have a long road ahead filled with hard work if they want to remain in the playoff conversation. Allen has the tools to help them get there.
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