Allen Announces Return for Senior Season

Kentucky football got a big boost on Monday.

Josh Allen, the dynamic pass-rushing linebacker, announced he will return for his senior season on social media, bypassing an opportunity to enter the NFL Draft. Allen had been mentioned as a potential first-round pick by various outlets during the 2017 season, but will be back in Lexington to terrorize opposing quarterbacks in 2018.

“Coming back for another year will be the best way for me to grow physically and mentally and prepare for my ultimate goal of playing in the NFL,” Allen wrote. “This coming year will be special for the University of Kentucky football team because we have a plan, not only to win the East, but to win the SEC! Let’s finish what we started.”

Allen led Kentucky in both sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (9.5) in 2017. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound product of Montclair, N.J., has developed into one of the best edge rushers in the Southeastern Conference after arriving at UK as a mostly unheralded prospect.

Allen joins tight end C.J. Conrad in returning. Conrad announced his decision soon after UK closed the season with a 24-23 loss to Northwestern in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl.

Excited to get Josh Allen back for his senior season–great teams are built on senior leaders and playmakers! https://t.co/rjrOTqpw8F

— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) January 8, 2018