Former Eastern Michigan receiver Markus Allen breaks down Mississippi State decision
When former Eastern Michigan receiver Markus Allen first entered the transfer portal, obviously he wanted to find the right offensive fit for his talents. On Tuesday following his official visit to Mississippi State, Allen committed to the Bulldogs and believes he found that right fit.
During his time in Starkville, Allen hit it off well with head coach Jeff Lebby and receivers coach Chad Bumphis. He liked what he saw from previous production from other receivers in Lebby’s offense and wants to come to Starkville to do the same.
“Mississippi State has some good things going on with Coach Jeff Lebby, offensively,” explained the 6-foot-2 and 212-pound Allen. “He is just starting out as a head coach. Getting with him and Coach Bump (Chad Bumphis), they both have a lot of good things going on.
“Looking at their resume of having good receivers and having guys thrive in their kind of offense. They are trying to build something special. Being my last year, it’s something I want to capitalize and be a part of.”
Allen began his college career at Wisconsin and is a native of Clayton, Ohio. In his two seasons at Wisconsin, Allen combined for 10 catches for 156 yards and one touchdown. Allen sat out in 2023 before playing this past season at Eastern Michigan.
In his lone season at Eastern Michigan, Allen had 43 catches and ranked second on the team with 651 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He has one season of remaining eligibility. In the Class of 2021, Allen was rated as the nation’s No. 73 receiver and the state’s No. 18 prospect by On3 rankings.
Also during that visit, Allen enjoyed the vibe he got from State’s staff. He also liked their business-like approach on the field.
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“Really it was the hospitality that stood out on my visit,” Allen added. “It felt like a family. I could feel the energy there. They are going to be who they are 24/7 off the field. Understanding once everything gets going, they are about business and I like that about their staff.”
With his role with the Bulldogs, Allen is expected to remain at outside receiver. And he feels with his frame, there’s endless possibilities for what he can accomplish within the offensive system.
“They want me outside, the same thing I did at Eastern Michigan,” remarked Allen. “I feel like I fit that well in Coach Lebby’s offense. I feel good about it and about the opportunity in that pass-friendly offense. I feel like it’s a good fit for my build and a good fit towards what I want to do.”
Next week Allen will return to campus for good as he begins preparations for his final season of college football. Naturally, first on his to-do list is to be comfortable with a new offensive scheme and his teammates.
“I will get there next week on January 15th when everyone reports for our first meeting,” Allen noted. “I am ready and I am excited. I have to adapt and learn a new system and everything. That’s what I am ready for, to just get in there and learn everything and get going.”
