Post-OSU Update: Will Allen was selected with the 111th pick (4th round) of the 2004 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay. Allen played 12 seasons in the NFL, mostly in reserve/nickel situations, though he did start 52 games. Allen finished his NFL career with seven interceptions, 23 PBUs, seven forced fumbles, and 416 tackles. (updated: Sep. 2022)

Major: Communications (2003), Art & Sciences (2001-02)

Weight: 190 (2002-03), 185 (2001), 175 (2000)

2003 Media Guide: Will Allen is a three-year letterman who should get his first opportunity to start this year … was the Buckeyes’ third safety and nickel back last year … a hard hitter and intelligent player … has improved each year and appears ready to step in as the replacement for three-time All-American Mike Doss at strong safety … has always played well and had several exceptional games in 2002, including the Michigan and Miami games … salted away the Michigan game by intercepting a pass at the 2-yard line on the final play of the game to preserve Ohio State’s 14-9 victory and a perfect season … had five tackles and a fourth-quarter fumble recovery against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl … has played in 37 of 38 games the past three years and is the Buckeyes’ most experienced defensive back in terms of games played … talented player whose presence will help offset the loss of Doss and Donnie Nickey at the two safety positions.

2002 Season: Saw his most extensive action and finished the season with 32 tackles … started the season opener against Texas Tech when the Buckeyes opened in a nickel package … played in every game but Kent State … in addition to his game-saving interception against Michigan, which guaranteed Ohio State a spot in the national title game, Allen also picked off a pass with 26 seconds remaining at Cincinnati that allowed the Buckeyes to escape with a 23-19 victory … six tackles against San Jose State was his top effort of the year and represents his career-high … sacked Brooks Bollinger on Wisconsin’s first possession of the game to force a punt.

2002 Media Guide: Will Allen backs up three-year starter Donnie Nickey at free safety but can play either safety position … also the Buckeyes nickel back … enhanced his status with a terrific showing in spring practice .. intelligent player and a fine technician … reads well and gets to the ball in a hurry … has played in all 24 games the past two years, but has mostly played on special teams … 20 of his 21 career tackles have been solo stops … is a good young football player.

2001 Media Guide: Will Allen is expected to vie for playing time as a backup free safety this year behind incumbent Donnie Nickey … will see action with the special teams … good young athlete whose biggest shortcoming at present is his lack of experience … played in all 12 games last year, with almost all of that time coming with the special teams … longest stint was five minutes in the season opener against Fresno State.

2000: Credited with seven tackles, all solos, as a true freshman … recorded his first collegiate tackle against Fresno State and actually played some defensive back in that game … two tackles against Miami was his top effort.

High School: Division I first-team all-Ohio by The Associated Press … rated as the No. 4 defensive back prospect and the No. 27 overall prospect in the Midwest by SuperPrep … rated as the No. 53 defensive back prospect in the nation by Rivals100.com … high school team was state runner-up in Division I … was a classmate of current OSU receiver John Hollins.