Dejon Allen Hawaii: The Legacy Of The Rainbow Warriors’ Offensive Line Anchor

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has a long and storied history of producing hard-nosed, resilient football players who defy mainland expectations. Among the most decorated and consistent offensive linemen to wear the green and black in the modern era is Dejon Allen. Arriving in Honolulu as a highly touted recruit from Southern California, Allen transformed himself from a promising young athlete into the absolute anchor of the Rainbow Warriors' offensive front. His journey is a masterclass in versatility, technical discipline, and athletic perseverance under the unique pressures of playing Division I FBS football in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Playing football for Hawaii comes with a unique set of demands that mainland programs rarely encounter. The grueling travel schedule, which requires crossing multiple time zones for away games, tests the physical endurance of even the most conditioned athletes. For an offensive lineman carrying nearly 300 pounds, this travel can be particularly taxing on the joints and recovery times. Despite these obstacles, Allen established himself as an incredibly durable and reliable starter, serving as a pillar of stability during a transitional period for the Hawaii football program. His contribution went far beyond mere physical blocking; he set the cultural standard for preparation, toughness, and leadership in the trenches.

To understand the impact of Dejon Allen on Hawaii football is to understand the evolution of the program's offensive identity during the mid-2010s. Transitioning through different coaching staffs and offensive schemes, Allen remained the one constant the coaching staff could rely on. Whether asked to pave the way for a physical running game or protect the quarterback's blind side against elite pass rushers in the Mountain West Conference, Allen performed at an elite level. This comprehensive profile explores his recruitment, his stellar collegiate career in Hawaii, his technical attributes, and his subsequent journey into the professional football ranks.

The Rise of Dejon Allen at the University of Hawaii

Dejon Allen's journey to Oahu began in Compton, California, where he starred at Dominguez High School. Known for producing elite athletic talent, Dominguez provided Allen with the competitive foundation necessary to succeed at the collegiate level. Recruited as a defensive lineman by some programs, the Hawaii coaching staff recognized his immense potential on the offensive side of the ball. Upon signing with the Rainbow Warriors, Allen made the transition to the offensive line, a move that would ultimately define his football career and cement his legacy in Honolulu.

After redshirting during the 2013 season to build his strength and learn the nuances of offensive line play, Allen quickly made his presence felt. By the 2014 season, he earned a starting spot and never looked back. His athletic versatility was immediately apparent; he possessed the quickness to pull and lead blocks in space, combined with the raw power required to anchor against heavy defensive tackles. Over the course of his career, Allen would start 49 games for the Rainbow Warriors, showcasing a level of durability that is exceedingly rare for interior linemen in college football.

What made Allen's tenure at Hawaii particularly impressive was his ability to adapt to different coaching philosophies. He began his career under the disciplined, pro-style regime of Norm Chow and finished under the high-tempo, innovative spread offense of Nick Rolovich. This transition required Allen to master completely different blocking techniques, protection schemes, and conditioning requirements. His seamless adaptation to both systems demonstrated not only his physical gifts but also his high football IQ and dedication to his craft.

Technical Profile and Position Versatility

At approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 295 pounds, Dejon Allen did not possess the prototypical, towering frame of an NFL offensive tackle. However, he more than compensated for his lack of elite height with exceptional arm length, a low center of gravity, and elite lateral mobility. These physical traits made him a highly versatile asset. While many analysts projected him as an interior guard at the next level, Allen spent a significant portion of his Hawaii career playing left tackle—the highly pressurized "blind side" position responsible for protecting the quarterback.

In pass protection, Allen utilized a violent, precise hand punch that disrupted the timing of opposing pass rushers. His footwork was exceptionally clean, allowing him to mirror speed rushers along the edge without giving up inside leverage. In the run game, his background as a defensive lineman gave him an intuitive understanding of leverage and defensive gap integrity. He was masterclass at executing reach blocks and climbing to the second level to seal off linebackers, creating massive running lanes for Hawaii’s ball carriers.

The table below outlines how Dejon Allen’s physical metrics and collegiate achievements compared to other notable University of Hawaii offensive linemen of his era, highlighting his unique standing in the program's history.

Player Name Position Active Years Height / Weight Key Career Honors Dejon Allen OT / OG 2013–2017 6'3" / 295 lbs 1st Team All-Mountain West (2017), 2nd Team (2016) Ben Clarke C / OT 2012–2015 6'3" / 285 lbs All-Mountain West Honorable Mention (Multiple) Asotui Eli C / OG 2014–2018 6'4" / 315 lbs Rimington Trophy Watch List, All-MW Academic Leo Koloamatangi OT / OG 2012–2016 6'5" / 310 lbs All-Mountain West Honorable Mention

Professional Career: NFL, CFL, and the XFL

Following a dominant senior season in 2017, where he earned First-Team All-Mountain West honors, Dejon Allen set his sights on the professional ranks. Despite his stellar collegiate tape, his lack of prototypical tackle height caused him to go undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, professional scouts recognized his elite utility as an interior offensive lineman. Shortly after the draft, Allen signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears, transitioning permanently to the offensive guard position.

Allen’s time in Chicago allowed him to refine his interior blocking techniques under professional coaching. He showcased his trademark toughness during the preseason, holding his own against NFL-caliber interior defensive linemen. Although he was among the final roster cuts, his performance earned him a spot on the practice squad. Over the next few years, Allen continued his professional journey, signing with the Green Bay Packers and later exploring opportunities in alternative professional leagues.

The launch of the modern XFL and the enduring appeal of the Canadian Football League (CFL) provided Allen with additional platforms to showcase his talents. He spent time with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL, where the wider field and emphasis on pass protection suited his lateral quickness perfectly. His professional journey serves as an inspiring example for young athletes, proving that a lack of prototypical physical measurements can be overcome through elite technique, versatility, and sheer work ethic.

The Legacy of Hawaii's "Pride of the Islands"

Dejon Allen's impact on the University of Hawaii extends far beyond his individual accolades and professional opportunities. He helped maintain the proud tradition of the "Pride of the Islands"—the nickname and cultural ethos of the Rainbow Warriors' football program. Playing in Hawaii requires a deep connection to the local community, and Allen embraced the culture, becoming a fan favorite at Aloha Stadium.

For recruiting coordinators at Hawaii, Allen remains a prime example of how the program can develop mainland talent into elite, NFL-caliber prospects. He proved that choosing to play in Honolulu does not limit an athlete's national visibility or professional viability. Today, coaching staffs still point to Allen's film when teaching younger offensive linemen the importance of leverage, hand placement, and mental toughness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dejon Allen

What years did Dejon Allen play for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors?

Dejon Allen was part of the University of Hawaii football program from 2013 to 2017. He redshirted his first year in 2013 and went on to be a four-year starter on the offensive line from 2014 through the 2017 season.

What position did Dejon Allen play at Hawaii?

Allen was highly versatile, playing both guard and tackle. Though he projected as an NFL guard, he spent a significant portion of his collegiate career playing left tackle, protecting the quarterback's blind side due to his elite footwork and athleticism.

Did Dejon Allen play in the NFL?

Yes, after going undrafted in 2018, Dejon Allen signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears. He spent time on the Bears' practice squad and later spent time with the Green Bay Packers organization before transitioning to other professional leagues like the CFL.

What honors did Dejon Allen receive during his college career?

Dejon Allen was a highly decorated lineman in the Mountain West Conference. He earned Second-Team All-Mountain West honors in 2016 and capped off his collegiate career with a First-Team All-Mountain West selection in 2017.

Support the Next Generation of Rainbow Warriors

The legacy of athletes like Dejon Allen is kept alive through the continued support of the University of Hawaii athletics program. By supporting local athletic initiatives, attending games at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, or contributing to student-athlete scholarships, you help future generations of Rainbow Warriors achieve their dreams on and off the field. Stay connected with Hawaii football and keep the spirit of Bows football burning bright!