Lequint Allen Jr. Adds Depth to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Backfield

In a move to fortify one of the NFL’s most dynamic rushing attacks, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed running back Lequint Allen Jr. ahead of the 2025 training camp—a addition that quietly strengthens the team’s backfield depth and provides a critical safety net for star starter Travis Etienne Jr. Lequint Allen Jr. Adds Depth to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Backfield tells the story of a versatile, hard-nosed runner who emerged from Rutgers University (where he rushed for 1,890 yards and 14 touchdowns in two seasons) to fill a key niche in Doug Pederson’s offense. At 6’0”, 220 pounds, Allen brings a blend of power (he averaged 4.7 yards per carry against Big Ten defenses) and pass-catching reliability (42 receptions in college) that complements both Etienne’s speed and fellow rookie Bhayshul Tuten’s elusiveness. For a Jaguars team with Super Bowl aspirations, Allen isn’t just a “third running back”—he’s a multi-faceted contributor who can step into larger roles if injuries strike, ensuring the rushing offense never loses its momentum. Lequint Allen Jr. Adds Depth to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Backfield also highlights the Jaguars’ commitment to building a resilient offense, where no single injury can derail their playoff push. This article explores Allen’s skill set, his fit in Jacksonville’s scheme, and how he’s become a valuable piece of the backfield puzzle.

Lequint Allen Jr. Adds Depth to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Backfield began with a strategic signing: the Jaguars brought Allen in as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft, 看中 (valuing) his ability to thrive in a complementary role rather than chase a starting spot. From day one of rookie minicamp, Allen stood out for his physicality and football IQ—he quickly memorized the playbook, adjusted to the NFL’s faster pace, and made an impression in contact drills by breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact. During the first week of training camp, Allen turned heads with a 25-yard rushing touchdown in a scrimmage, using his power to push through two defenders at the line of scrimmage before outrunning the secondary to the end zone. As camp progressed, his consistency only grew: he averaged 5.8 yards per carry in team drills, caught 8 passes for 65 yards in preseason games, and proved reliable in pass protection—an often-overlooked skill that endeared him to Pederson. “Lequint is the kind of player every team needs,” Pederson said in a post-practice interview. “He doesn’t care about reps or stats—he just wants to help the team win. Whether it’s blocking, running between the tackles, or catching a check-down pass, he does it with effort and focus.” By the end of preseason, Allen had secured a spot on the 53-man roster, beating out veteran backups for the role of the Jaguars’ third running back.

Lequint Allen Jr. Adds Depth to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Backfield also shines a light on his unique role as a “change-of-pace power back” in Pederson’s offense—a role that complements Etienne and Tuten perfectly. While Etienne is a speedster who excels at outside runs and Tuten is an elusive pass-catcher, Allen specializes in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his power and body control make him a threat to convert first downs and score touchdowns. This was on full display during the Jaguars’ preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons: Allen rushed for 45 yards on 9 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown run where he pushed through three Falcons defenders to cross the goal line. He also caught a 10-yard pass on third-and-5, extending a drive that eventually led to another score. “Lequint gives us a different look,” said offensive coordinator Press Taylor. “When defenses are tired from chasing Travis and Bhayshul, Lequint comes in and pounds the ball, wearing them down. That kind of balance makes our rushing attack harder to stop.” Allen’s ability to handle short-yardage duties also takes pressure off Etienne, who previously shouldered most of the load in those situations. With Allen in the mix, Etienne can avoid unnecessary hits in high-contact scenarios, keeping him fresher for the regular season and playoffs.

Lequint Allen Jr. Adds Depth to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Backfield underscores the Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on backfield resilience—a priority born from last season’s struggles when Etienne missed two games with an ankle injury. In those games, the Jaguars’ rushing offense dropped from 121 yards per game to 89 yards per game, and they lost both contests due to a lack of consistent production from backup runners. Allen’s addition solves that problem: he’s proven he can step in and contribute if Etienne or Tuten is sidelined, ensuring the rushing offense remains productive. During a training camp practice where Etienne and Tuten were given rest days, Allen led the offense with 10 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown, showing he can handle a larger workload if needed. “Depth at running back is non-negotiable in the NFL,” said general manager Trent Baalke. “Injuries happen, and you need a player who can step in without skipping a beat. Lequint is that player—he’s reliable, consistent, and ready to contribute whenever called upon.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on backfield resilience is even more critical this season, as they face a tough schedule with games against run-stopping defenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Allen’s ability to complement Etienne and Tuten will be key to keeping the Jaguars’ offense balanced and effective against those teams.

Lequint Allen Jr. Adds Depth to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Backfield also highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to developing young talent—a hallmark of their recent roster-building success. Allen arrived in Jacksonville with raw talent but needed to refine his skills for the NFL, and the Jaguars’ coaching staff invested time in his development: running backs coach Bernie Parmalee worked with him on improving his footwork in short-yardage situations, while Pederson helped him understand the nuances of pass protection. Allen took every lesson to heart, showing steady improvement throughout camp and preseason. “The coaches here believe in me, and that means a lot,” Allen said in a post-preseason interview. “They don’t just tell me what to do—they teach me why it matters, and that’s helped me grow as a player. I’m still learning, but I’m ready to contribute however I can.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to developing young talent has paid off with Allen: he’s gone from an undrafted free agent to a key contributor in just a few months, joining Tuten as a rookie success story in the backfield. This focus on development not only strengthens the team now but also builds for the future, as Allen could eventually take on a larger role if needed.

Lequint Allen Jr. Adds Depth to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Backfield concludes with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using their deep backfield to fuel a Super Bowl run. For the Jaguars, a strong rushing attack is the foundation of their offense—it controls the clock, keeps the defense off the field, and sets up play-action passes for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. With Allen, Etienne, and Tuten, the Jaguars have one of the most versatile and resilient backfields in the NFL—a group that can adapt to any defense and any situation. Whether it’s Etienne’s speed, Tuten’s elusiveness, or Allen’s power, the Jaguars have a weapon for every scenario, making their offense hard to game-plan against. “Our backfield is a strength, and Lequint is a big part of that,” Lawrence said as the regular season approached. “He brings something different to the table, and that makes us more dangerous. When we can run the ball effectively with all three guys, it opens up everything else for the offense.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using their deep backfield to fuel a Super Bowl run is shared by Allen, who remains humble despite his early success. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity to play in the NFL,” Allen said. “The Jaguars gave me a chance, and I’m going to work every day to make the most of it. Whatever the team needs—running, blocking, catching—I’m ready to do my part.” Lequint Allen Jr. Adds Depth to Jacksonville Jaguars’ Backfield isn’t just a story about a backup running back; it’s a testament to the Jaguars’ attention to detail, their commitment to resilience, and their ability to turn underrated talent into valuable contributors. As the regular season begins, all eyes will be on the Jaguars’ backfield—waiting to see if this deep, versatile group can lead the team to its first Super Bowl victory.