Ajay Allen Q&A: Why He Chose Miami and How the Transition From Nebraska Has Been

LifeWallet Sports interviewed Miami Hurricanes running back Ajay Allen and discussed the reason why he transferred to Miami and how the transition from Nebraska has been, among other topics.

Here are some lightly edited highlights from the conversation.

Chaney: How’s the adjustment period [from Nebraska to Miami] been like so far?

Allen: It’s been quite a bit stressful. A little bit because I’ve been [getting] settled. I’ve been getting like a lot of parking tickets.

Chaney: Making that transition from Nebraska, just what are some of the things that really excite you about Miami, just why was Miami the destination for you?

Allen: Really and truly, I looked at the stuff and I saw the coaches we’ve been getting, and [Dennis Smith], the recruiting guy, he was at [Louisiana Tech]. He was recruiting me out of high school. He was close to getting me; I could say that. And I had a great relationship with him, so he got me a second time here, and the offensive coordinator, he’s also from Louisiana. 

Chaney: What are some of the things that you like about Shannon Dawson and his offense?

Allen: I saw what he did at Houston, and I think it’s great. He used Tank Dell, the receiver, a lot. I saw that he likes to run the ball too. 

Chaney: What do you think separates you skillset-wise from a lot of other running backs? 

Allen: Really catching the ball; most running backs really can’t catch the ball. And I look at my skill set; I really can check off all the boxes as a running back, so I think.

Chaney: What do you think that you can bring to – because it’s a very talented Miami running back room – just what are some of things that you can bring?

Allen: We do have a very talented room, but I think I can bring explosiveness, for one, and being a leader … My major thing is being a leader.

Chaney: And what’s your mindset heading into this year, I mean, is this your first year with the team, just where is your head at?

Allen: I want to come lead, come help lead the team, put us in the right direction, help – not just necessarily build the program – but like lead by example.

Chaney: And I also wanted to ask about [Miami running backs coach Tim Harris Jr.], just what type of coach is he and what stands out to you about him?

Allen: He’s a great coach. When I first got in contact with Miami out [of] the portal, Coach Harris, me and him talked. I knew he was a cool guy … The coach that recruited me out of high school was [former Nebraska running backs coach Bryan Applewhite], and I kind of look at their similarities. They’re both kind of the same guy. So, that’s what I really like about Coach Harris.

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