THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 15, 1995 TAG: 9509150677
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Long : 110 lines
Who can blame Pete Allen for once believing that by now, his senior year at the University of Virginia, he would have his own highlight film and national name recognition?
Once thought to be too small, at under 140 pounds, to play major college football, Allen had convinced most of the big boys otherwise when he came out of Norfolk's Granby High School in the spring of 1992.
A four-year starter at quarterback and a 100-meter champion in track, Allen was courted by Penn State, Nebraska, and Tennessee. He leaned toward Penn State, and even drove there on his own before deciding on Virginia to be closer to his family.
``I have never regretted that decision,'' Allen says, ``but I did think things would be a little different.''
So did everyone else when Allen became the first true freshman in eight seasons to start the first game for the Cavaliers.
He caught a go-ahead touchdown pass in that '92 opener against Maryland and caught two more touchdown passes the next week against Navy.
Allen's career has not been all downhill since that spectacular debut, but three years and 33 games later he has caught only three more touchdown passes.
Although he has remained a starter at wide receiver, Allen rarely gets a ball thrown his way and makes his biggest contributions these days by returning kickoffs.
``It is a way I can help the team,'' Allen said.
``If I can get the ball in my hands, I know I can do something positive for the team. Those kickoff returns are a time to touch the ball, so I give it my all.''
Allen has had only three pass receptions for 48 yards in three games this season, but he has returned nine kickoffs for 233 yards, which tops the ACC.
He had 137 yards in returns last Saturday against North Carolina State, and was cited by coach George Welsh as a key player in the victory.
But, he had only one pass reception for 5 yards.
Allen says he doesn't know why he is not used more often as a receiver, and his coaches don't offer much explanation, either.
Welsh and offensive coordinator Tom O'Brien say game plans vary, and it is impossible to make all the receivers happy.
``They all want to catch more passes,'' Welsh says.
In truth, though, it may be that, at 5-foot-10, the slender Allen's strength is his breakaway speed and Virginia rarely throws long.
Larger receivers are more visible targets on horizontal patterns.
Two years ago, before the Carquest Bowl, both Allen and former receiver Tyrone Davis complained bitterly about not having more deep opportunities.
``I was a lot more upset about it a couple of years ago,'' Allen said. ``I have gotten used to it, so it doesn't surprise me as much now. I have matured more, too.''
He was upset after the Michigan game, though, when the only pass that came his way bounced five yards behind him.
``That got to me because we were only one big play away from blowing that game wide open and I thought I could help,'' he said.
``I was ready, but I never got the chance. A couple of years ago I'd be crazy after something like that. I've learned to accept it now.''
Allen said he has questioned the coaches about his situation only once.
``I am a coach's son, so I am not a complainer,'' he said.
Allen's father, James, coached him in youth leagues.
``My father has helped me to deal with this,'' Allen said. ``He understands how the game works. But my mother, she just wants to see me in the end zone.''
Allen has come close a couple of times - by breaking kickoff returns. His longest return was 40 yards against N.C. State.
``It's going to happen,'' Allen said. ``I should have already done it.''
Despite being the target of top-speed, open-field hits, Allen has learned to enjoy returning kickoffs.
``The hardest thing is when you don't get the ball, you have to block,'' Allen said with a smile.
``Catching and running is the easiest part. I just run as fast I can, find the seam, and hit it. But having to block those guys running at you at 90 miles per hour, that is the hardest part.
``My first time out there, I didn't catch the ball. I had to block. Man, I just jumped in front of somebody. They ran me over, but I got credit for a block.''
Allen's returns have excited teammates and won him their respect.
``Once the players see a guy back there who is going to run, and hit the holes, and give it his all, they are going to want to block,'' Allen said.
``A lot of them say, `Man, I am going to have my block. Just follow me.' Everybody wants me to follow them now. It is good to hear that, too, because it seems that for once you are appreciated.''
Tailback Tiki Barber is one of Allen's fans. ``Pete is doing such a great job, that's why I'm not back there returning kicks,'' Barber said.
Allen said he dedicated himself to returning kickoffs when it seemed he would not be getting many passes again this season.
``I finally realized if I had a chance to play at another level, I would have do my best at whatever I do,'' he said.
``If it is catching two passes a game, I have to make something happen those two passes. If it's returning kicks, then I have to do it returning kicks.''
Allen has had only one touchdown reception in each of the last two seasons, but both were spectacular - a 58-yarder against Clemson in 1993 and a career-long 69-yarder last year against Duke.
``I know if I touch the ball enough times I am going to do something positive to help the team. Whether it is a big first down or breaking one here or there, I can help the team,'' Allen said.
``I have been running past people ever ever since I got here.''
It hasn't all been downhill, either. ILLUSTRATION: After a quick start at U.Va., Granby grad Pete Allen has three
TD catches in the as many years.
by CNB