CLEMSON FOOTBALL

(USA TODAY Sports-Carlos Ramirez)
(USA TODAY Sports-Carlos Ramirez)

WATCH: 'Exciting time' for former Clemson TE seeking first Super Bowl


by - Staff Writer -

Two seasons with the New England Patriots - two chances at a Super Bowl title for former Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen.

The seventh-year pro looks to take home his first Super Bowl ring just down the road from a second home at Clemson in Atlanta, versus the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday (6:30 p.m./CBS).

"It's an exciting time," Allen told WSPA during Super Bowl media day in Atlanta. "A lot of guys - a lot of greats don't get an opportunity to play in this game. For me to have my second opportunity at it in my second year with the organization - I'm just very, very fortunate."

Allen, a Mackey Award winner at Clemson (nation's best tight end), has settled into a blocking role for the Patriots, seeing four targets over 15 games played with three catches for 27 yards.

Allen has kept an eye on the Tigers and their success since his departure after the 2011 season, staying in touch with Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.

"Coach Swinney has done a great job - not only of getting the right coaches around him," Allen said, "(but also) recruiting the right players to come to Clemson to build that foundation that he can have this sustained success that we've had in recent years. For me, it's just been nothing but joy and pride. I'm so happy for those guys. I'm so proud to be a part of the Clemson family. I text coach (Swinney) all the time. After every victory and every game to let him know how proud I am."

Allen can be a first Tiger to win a Super Bowl since Byron Maxwell with the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII. The Patriots are currently favored by 2.5 points.

"It all comes down to execution," he said. "This week has been about being focused and making sure that I know my gameplan so that I can flawlessly go out there and execute."

Watch more from Allen below:

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to Brandon Rink: Email | Comment
Former Clemson 5-star signee headed to Louisville
Former Clemson 5-star signee headed to Louisville
Clemson prospects in final Mel Kiper rankings, seven-round ESPN NFL draft projection
Clemson prospects in final Mel Kiper rankings, seven-round ESPN NFL draft projection
No. 4 Clemson at No. 17 Georgia: Gametime, TV and pitching matchup
No. 4 Clemson at No. 17 Georgia: Gametime, TV and pitching matchup
Clemson drops spot, new No. 1 named in latest 247Sports preseason Top 25
Clemson drops spot, new No. 1 named in latest 247Sports preseason Top 25
Post your comments!