BY NICK ST. DENIS
Antonio Allen played linebacker the first two years of his college career before switching to safety. Now, two years into his pro career, it's about that time.
Allen has been informed that he'll get the nod at cornerback Sunday when the New York Jets host the Oakland Raiders for the season-opener.
The third-year defensive back has been a cornerback for just three weeks--two if you count the time he's sat out to a concussion he sustained two weeks ago.
Allen shed the red no-contact jersey Tuesday and has been cleared, so he'll have half a week full-go at practice before making his debut on the perimeter.
“I feel pretty good with my preparation,” Allen said Tuesday, via NewYorkJets.com.
The Jets sure hope so.
Gang Green will likely be missing No. 1 cornerback Dee Milliner as the second-year DB continues to nurse a high-ankle sprain. Veteran Dimitri Patterson, who was originally projected to start opposite Milliner, was cut last week, and rookie third-rounder Dexter McDougle was placed on injured reserve earlier this summer.
Allen will likely work opposite Darrin Walls in the starting defense for at least one week. While he admits to not being completely settled yet in the position, Allen thinks his work at centerfield will translate well to the outside.
“Safeties know the defense and tell the corners what to do,” he said. “I pretty much have the scheme down as far as what the corners are supposed to do on every play. I’ve been doing pretty good.”
