The Redskins announced earlier this week, that the team inked 5-year veteran linebacker Brian Allen, known to his teammates as BA.
Allen should be a good fit for the team. He is an outstanding special teams player and has experience at all three linebacker positions. Allen also takes the time during the off-season to speak to Elementary School kids about determination and the importance of education. That character, along with his experience both in the linebacking corps and on special teams, make Brian Allen the prototypical "Gibbs guy".
The 6-0, 232 pound Allen attended Columbia High School in Lake City, FL. During his senior season in 1996, the honor student was named third-team all-state class 6A after posting 159 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
After high school, Allen attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, where he excelled as a linebacker, starting every game and earning second-team all-ACC honors in his junior and senior seasons as well as being named a semi-finalist for the Butkus award his senior season. Allen completed his college career in 2000 having posted 286 tackles, 9 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles.
The St. Louis Rams selected Allen in the third round of the 2000 draft. Allen made his NFL debut November 11, 2001 and played in a total of three contests, posting 1 special teams tackle.
Houston selected Allen in the expansion draft of 2002, before being waived prior to the start of the season. The Carolina Panthers claimed Allen off of waivers, where he has been ever since.
In 2002, Allen played in all 16 games, including five starts. Allen started one game at middle linebacker in the place of an injured Dan Morgan. He also started the final four games of the season at weak side linebacker, posting 31 tackles and becoming a key contributor to the defense ranked second in the NFL in total defense and third down conversions.
In 2003, Allen spent most of his playing time on the special teams unit, although he did get four starts at weak side linebacker due to injuries. He also played in all four playoff games for the NFC champion Panthers. Last season, the sociology major posted 22 tackles and an interception.
Allen is the cousin of former Cincinnati Bengal and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Reinard Wilson. He is single and has a daughter, Kabreon Yvette.
The Redskins also announced the re-signing of 42-year old offensive lineman Ray Brown. Brown reportedly signed a 1-year deal at the veteran minimum $765,000. Brown filled in for the injured Jon Jansen admirably last season at right tackle.
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