2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dakota Allen, TE, Eastern Kentucky

• Name: Dakota Allen
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 248 lbs.
• Position: TE
• College: Eastern Kentucky University
• Twitter: Dak_allen6
• Instagram: _6dak

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I have my Bachelor’s in Sport Management. In the fall, I’ll graduate with my Master’s in Sport Administration. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I think they would highlight my leadership skills. I’ve been voted twice as a team captain. I have a very competitive nature and determination to win. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m used a lot as a pass catching TE in our offense. Being a former QB, I have a good understanding of route concepts and schemes, knowing where everyone needs to be on the field. I’m active in both the pass and run game. I’ve played with my hand in the dirt as well as being in the slot or backside X receiver. I also have a lot of experience as a special teams player. I’ve practiced as a long snapper, played as a wing on field goals and have punted a few times during a game.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The 2 players that come to mind are Quincy Williams (now with the Jets) who played at Murray State and Robert Rochell (now with the Rams) who played at Central Arkansas. Both are very physically gifted and smart players. Quincy Williams showed his ability to read defenses very well, having great hands. Robert Rochell was super athletic and showed great ability to jump routes and make plays.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
When I first came into EKU, I had players like Tim Boyle and Aaron Patrick that set the standard as leaders and how they went about their routines. They’re very competitive guys who practiced and played with maximum effort which has obviously helped them be successful in the NFL.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Back in 2018 when I was a full-time QB, I ended up going down with an injury that held me out of the season. Parker McKinney came in as a freshman and did a great job leading our team to wins. I had a few critics that advised me to try and transfer in order to keep playing at QB. I didn’t like that option. Everyone always thinks “the grass is greener on the other side,” but I know that’s not always true. I wanted to finish what I started here at EKU and wasn’t afraid of competition. As I got healthy, I had some occasional snaps at QB but Parker remained the long-term starter. Understanding my role, I was willing to do whatever it took to be on the field and help our team. I played a lot of special teams and even came in as a backup punter. When our new coaching staff came in, I had a conversation with Coach Steelman who helped me come to the conclusion that I could be a great TE and have a chance to play in the NFL. After making that transition, I was named First Team All-Conference last year.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I played a lot of baseball growing up and probably would have stuck with it. Other than baseball, I also played basketball throughout high school.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I take a lot of pride in that I am a first-generation college student and the first to obtain a degree. I’m also proud of how I handled the adversity that has come my way.

My biggest achievement so far is being named Phil Steele First-Team All-ASUN in 2021. I’m striving to improve upon that this year and be in the All-American discussion.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
As a QB in 2020, Parker was knocked out of a game and I had to come in as the backup. We were playing against Central Arkansas who was ranked 11th in the country at the time. They had a great squad overall that we had to prepare for. Coming in, I led the team to an 8 play 77-yard drive and delivered the game winning TD pass to Matt Wilcox.

As a TE last season, our last game was against Jacksonville State at home. We ended up going into double overtime. I had a good game overall with 111 yards on 7 receptions with 2 TDs. On a 4th and long, running a post route out of the slot, I caught the touchdown that sent us into overtime. During the 2nd overtime, I was on the receiving end of a 2-point conversion that helped seal the victory.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a Pittsburgh Steeler fan and have enjoyed watching Pat Freiermuth develop into a quality TE. I’ve tried to model my game after guys like George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Dalton Schultz and Dawson Knox.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artists would have to be Rod Wave and Lil Baby. I’m a chill guy before the game. I don’t get pumped up until I get on the field. 

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite meal would have to be steak and shrimp. 

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite actor would have to be Morgan Freeman or Adam Sandler. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I love to golf and take my dog on walks. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because it is my getaway. I also play because of my love for the sport and I want to be able to provide for my family. My why is the biggest reason I love to play football.