Syracuse RB LeQuint Allen decribes himself as 'a lion mixed with an ape'

Syracuse running back LeQuint Allen exploded in his sophomore season, topping the 1,000-yard mark on the ground in 2023. In 2024, he’s only looking to dominate further.

Allen was an easy choice for head coach Fran Brown to send to ACC Media Days this week, and Syracuse got their time to shine on Thursday, when Brown hit the podium and a couple of players joined the ACC Network set, including Allen. As part of his appearance, he was asked what the mental process is like for him when trying to lock in on gameday.

“So, just making sure everyone is on page, on track to the right thing. Just keeping the main thing the main thing,” he answered. “And then, when I have that ball in my hand, just run angry and no one can stop me.”

Allen even has a secret ritual for getting into the head space to play like the monster he is on the football field: “Sometimes, by myself, I just get in that inner-animal and then just bring it out when it’s time to bring it out. That’s what I try to do.”

His quarterback sitting right next to him, Kyle McCord commented, “he gets that look in his eye.” Allen was then further pushed by the ACC Network to explain that mindset.

“I feel as though I’m just a beast. I just love to put on for my team,” said Allen, who was asked what specific animal he likes to envision himself as when he brings it out.

“A lion mixed with an ape. … Just breaking tackles, you know what I’m saying, and just ‘AHHHHHH’ like that,” he added, making a gorilla noise.

After that display, McCord was then asked how he handles such a wild animal alongside him in the backfield.

“I mean, whatever’s working, I guess stay with it,” McCord said. “You know, obviously, he had a great year last year. I was at the bowl game last year, so I kind of got to see firsthand that anger coming out. And I was like ‘okay, we’ll be good.'”

Kyle McCord is no stranger to the antics from LeQuint Allen after spending a few months with him already, and he can call himself a lion-ape or whatever animals he pleases so long as he continues to hammer the rock when his number is called.