LeQuint

Allen

Harvey believes there will be a competition that includes Bhayshul Tuten, Tank Bigsby and LeQuint Allen, notably detailing the latter three players in that order. If the Jaguars feature three or more running backs, these players will be difficult to trust on a weekly basis, though Etienne’s potential pass-catching involvement provides at least mild stability.

Shipley adds that “all four (running backs) get some run at some point,” but believes Etienne will have a chance to hold on to his new role under the new regime. Etienne is coming off a second-straight season in which he averaged less than 4.0 YPC and less than 5.0 yards per touch. The former first-round pick has struggled to match the success he enjoyed in 2022, and lost work to Tank Bigsby during parts of last season. The addition of speedster Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round of this year’s draft immediately led to speculation that Etienne’s time as the Jaguars’ lead back could be coming to an end. While that still may be the case, it sounds as if he’ll have every chance to prove he’s deserving of the top role to open the season in Week 1 against the Panthers. Bigsby and Tuten still make for interesting late-round values given Etienne’s recent track history, but they shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than high-end handcuffs at this time.

“Obviously, he had 1,000 yards over the last two years, and then he can catch the ball out of the back field. Good in the screen game. Competitor, man,” Coen continued. As last year taught us, anyone involved in a Liam Coen screen game can be a fantasy factor. It’s probably a little too early to get excited about Allen — and Allen is behind Bhayshul Tuten in the Jacksonville running back pecking order — but Coen’s vision of how he wants to use Allen is noteworthy for fantasy leagues.

Allen (6’0/204) spent his entire three-year career at Syracuse, but saw minimal production as a freshman while playing behind current Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker. In 2024, Allen took the lead in Syracuse’s backfield and immediately rushed for 245-1,064-9 while adding another 38-210-1 through the air. He saw similar production on the ground in 2024 (228-1,021-16), but saw far more receiving production, finishing the year with a line of 64-521-4. His 64 receptions led all FBS backs last season, while his 8.3 YPR ranked 21st amongst FBS backs (min. 50 targets). Allen’s rushing production leaves a lot to be desired. In his two years as a starter, Allen averaged a meager 4.4 YPC and was average when it came to creating yards after contact (3.18 YCO/ATT). His tendency to run upright isn’t doing him any favors, either. Allen’s ability to contribute in the passing game – both as a receiver and pass-blocker, and on special teams is what will give him a chance to make an impact on a roster early on. It’s worth noting, per PFF, that Allen lined up out wide or in the slot on 191 passing down snaps in his career.

Allen (6'0/180) in a nice get for the Orange, as he is considered the 68th best running back and 24th overall prospect in the state of New Jersey from the 2022 prep class according to 247Sports. The Millville, NJ native chose the upstate New York school over offers from nearby Rutgers, Temple, West Virginia, Virginia and Pitt. A two-way standout, Allen excelled as a linebacker recording 84 tackles and three interceptions on defense, while racking up 640 rushing yards to go with 33 catches for 284 yards and 11 total touchdowns on offense. Allen is the second three-star recruit Syracuse has secured a commitment from in the 2022 class.