LeQuint Allen Jr. embraces team-first mentality with Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost running back Travis Etienne in free agency, and the running back room has been a constant source of questions ever since. Analysts have been skeptical that anyone on the Jacksonville roster can replace Etienne, but Liam Coen doesn’t appear to be trying to.

Rather than focus on one strong RB1, Coen — along with general manager James Gladstone — appears to favor a well-rounded group of strong running backs who will all see heavy rotation throughout the season. It’s assumed that Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez will get the majority of the snaps, with LeQuint Allen seeing regular action as well on passing downs.

And judging by recent comments from Allen, he’s more than willing to play his part, whatever it may be. Appearing on the O-Zone podcast, Allen said he likes the direction the Jaguars are taking, and that he will do whatever is best for the team as a whole.

“We have to move as one. We’re a unit. We need everyone. The coaches determine my role. I determine my effort and what I establish on the field when it’s time,” he said, adding, “I want to be prepared for this season. The train is leaving. We’re going toward a common goal. We’re going to dominate every opponent who comes our way because we’ve worked too hard.”

Under Coen, Jacksonville has become a tough, physical team, and it’s a culture that Allen seems to embrace.

“I’ve got to mess with everyone that’s not on the Jaguars,” he continued. “That’s my mindset. You’re trying to stop us from getting to our goals. I don’t like that too much. I feel like everyone with the opposite jersey, attack them. That’s football.”

Above all, Allen said he wants to ensure not only that he is playing his best, but that he’s lifting up his teammates as well.

“I love football,” he said. “I love everything that has to do with football. Football is a collective sport. That means I have to make sure my teammates are in their best state of mind and moving right and that they’re not thinking about anything negative.”

He continued, “I tell them, ‘Always think positive. I’m right by your side all the time. No matter what. If you’re winning or losing, I’m going to be right there helping you.’ That comes with loving the game of football and living the process over the results. I just love the game and everything that comes with it.”

While Allen has been all-but-forgotten in the Jaguars’ running back conversation, Coen has said the room is wide open, and that each of his three backs have different skills they can use to contribute on the offense. Last season, Allen was strong in pass protection, but he is expected to do more in both the pass and run game this year.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars’ RB LeQuint Allen discusses upcoming NFL season