In the huddle: Purdue safety Cam Allen

Purdue fifth-year senior Cam Allen continues to move up Purdue’s career interceptions list, adding one in the win at Virginia Tech.

The Virginia native is currently tied for third in program history, sharing the spot with six other players. He’s two interceptions away from tying Ricardo Allen for the No. 2 spot and is chasing Stuart Schweigert, who holds the top spot with 17.

What did it mean to have an interception in your home state?

First of all, I want to say – there’s still some s*** we have to clean up; I’ve got to clean up. There’s some s*** I’ve got to clean up. But yeah, going back home, seeing a bunch of people I knew, my family, friends, I loved the support. Grabbing that pick, coaches were preaching all week stop the slant and stay inside on your routes. I was very detailed on it and getting in front of that home crowd of a bunch of family and friends, I feel it was an awesome experience.

When you came here, did you have any idea Purdue was playing at Virginia Tech in 2023?

When I came here, I had no clue I was going to play Virginia Tech. I was hoping to get out of college before I got to my fifth year. I’m on God’s plan right now. I was blessed to go back home and get a match against them, but it’s onto the next one now.

How far is Virginia Tech from your hometown?

Virginia Tech is about 50 minutes from my house. During the rain delay, my dad was about to go back home for a little while and then come back. I told him they might start it early and he would have to turn around.

Were they an option coming out of high school?

Oh, no. Growing up, I always wanted to be a Hokie or stay close to home, but they never gave me a scholarship offer. If they did offer me, I probably would still come to Purdue because I feel like the Big Ten is better than the ACC.

Do you have any inkling of wanting to play quarterback again?

Some nights, I go back and watch my quarterback highlights on HUD, and I go watch some of the quarterbacks in college now, and I feel like I could do it better than them. If the opportunity ever comes, I’m telling you I would sling it out there.

What schools wanted you to play quarterback?

The only offer I got to play quarterback was from Virginia, and I think they only did that, so I would go there, and they would move me to DB. They did offer me as a quarterback and a DB and JMU (James Madison) was talking about quarterback a little bit.

Do you have a nickname?

Yeah, my dad gave me a nickname – Doobutt.

Why?

Honestly, I have no clue. I don’t think he knows why. Something came out of his mouth one day. There’s probably a reason but yeah, Doobutt. I like that nickname. All my friends and family from back home call me Doobutt.

Even though you have no idea what it means?

I might have an idea, but my dad hasn’t told me that story.

Any superstitions?

I don’t have any superstitions. I have some routine things I do and stuff like that, but I don’t have any superstitions where if I wear something it’s going to give me good luck or something like that. I think preparation is a superstition. You have to prepare for stuff.

What’s your game day routine?

Come here, and of course, we watch the hit video but the first thing I like to do is get in the hot tub. I like to loosen up and stuff like that. All the stretches are the same, and I’m going to hit them in the same exact order every time. Listen to some music here and there but really just preparing myself to get right for the game.

One thing your teammates don’t know about you?

I really don’t have any secrets about stuff. If the conversation comes up, I’m going to tell them about me. Hopefully, they all know I’m a state champion in high school with the third-most touchdowns in Virginia history.

What’s your worst habit?

In my interviews, I say ‘uh’ a lot. I start to ‘uh, uh.’ My dad gets on me for that.

If you could trade places with one teammate and play their position, who would it be?

Hudson Card. I would definitely like to play quarterback.

Any potential trick plays with you playing quarterback?

I might have to tell coach Walters to pull up my old film and show them what I can do.

Hardest thing you’ve had to overcome?

Back when I was 11 or 12 in my Little League days in baseball, my dad got into a bad car accident and split his skull, dislocated his hip onto his stomach. It was a bad time. This was during my Little League baseball days. He had to miss my state tournament, a whole bunch of tournaments. He was my coach during that time. That’s what I love about my dad and him coming to watch me play in all these tournaments. Going through all those moments and doing those things without him was kind of a hard time. I got through it. Everybody supported me and thanks to my momma. I love it.

Favorite food?

Not pizza.

Why no pizza?

If I eat pizza, it’ll be one slice, and that’s it because I haven’t eaten anything for hours. I don’t like pizza. A long time ago I was in a hotel, and I was sick. My brother was having a pizza party downstairs, and he came in the room and asked mom for some money for pizza, it just made me throw up when he said the word. In my head, pizza just isn’t good.

How old were you?

I was 8 or 9. My brother was playing travel basketball. That was a long time ago. It just put a nasty taste and thoughts in my mind about pizza. Here and there, I’ll eat it, but it will have to have some sausage and stuffed crust. I’m not going to sit down and eat a box of pizza.

So, you’re not having pizza delivered?

Most definitely not. I’ll go to Domino’s, but I’m not getting pizza; I’m getting Chicken Alfredo.

What happens when you have pizza for the postgame meal?

I’m going to have to pick up a snack option, probably go get a Gatorade shake or use my Mucho Card at one of these places around here.

What if you’re on the road?

We have more options on the road. They just don’t give out pizza. That might be one of those times when I have to eat a slice.

What is your favorite food?

I’ll probably go with some Alfredo dish or of course, everyone loves steak; I love a good filet. My girl makes a good one.

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