Allen represents B1G Red at media days

Austin Allen isn’t much of a coffee guy. He doesn’t drink any soda, either -- hasn’t since 2011. 
The former Husky has plenty of natural energy, leaving before dawn Thursday morning on a flight for Big Ten Media days in Indianapolis as the spokesman for the Huskers offense. 
That’s a huge deal.
Over the past year-plus, Oz has really become a mouthpiece for Nebraska and its offense. 
He’s the perfect representation for the Big Red. A hometown kid whose only goal is to get Nebraska back to a place where he’s more familiar to it, watching as a kid years prior. 
In one of his several sit-down sessions with swaths of media Thursday inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy, Allen described a passion for leadership and carrying the flag as a player-led group. 
More than anything, though, Oz just wants to be part of the solution to turn the corner. 
“What is beneficial is to take leaders from each position group and set the same standard, that way I don’t have a different standard than (Ben) Stille’s room,” Allen explained. “We’re all on the same plane so I could hold someone from outside my position group accountable.”
Couldn’t agree more. It’s certainly been a lacking concept over the last several seasons. 
Oz added that the players need to follow through with leadership and accountability at the player level to finally get things moving in the right direction. 
“This is our team moving forward,” Allen said. 
With someone like Oz filling a big leadership role, the Huskers have good standing. 
In terms of what Nebraska’s offense could look like in 2021, length may be the Huskers’ biggest asset. 
Picture this for a moment. Allen and fellow tight end Travis Vokolek on the field at the same time as well as wide receivers Samori Toure and Omar Manning. On the measuring tape those are players 6-foot-9, 6-6, 6-3 and 6-3.
Who is going to cover that in the red zone?
One of my favorite interactions from head Husker Scott Frost during the media day was an exchange talking about Allen and Vokolek. 
Frost was raving about the duo tight end’s potential as professional players, and a media member responded by asking why he felt that way.
Frost responded by saying, “Well, go stand next to them.”
I can confirm that. 
Another big topic at media days was the new name, image and likeness (NIL) rules and how those in college football can learn and adapt to the changing landscape. 
Oz was asked about any specific brand that he would want to be represented by. A bit of a pause, but found what he was looking for. 
A new truck. 
Can’t help you there, guy. 
It was mentioned by Frost and I agree wholeheartedly that Nebraska is in a unique position to excel with NIL. There are no professional sports teams around. The Huskers, for most of us, are that professional sports brand. 
The names of those athletes, like Allen, carry a lot of weight inside the state of Nebraska. 
Now, Oz mentioned that he wouldn’t want to flood his social media accounts with advertisements. 
Allen has pushed for NIL as a major change, for the better, in college sports. He used it as a talking point as part of the search committee for Nebraska’s new athletic director. 
In the long run, he will be on the right side of history. 
Oz made all the rounds on Thursday, including an appearance on Big Ten Network alongside teammates Stille and Deontai Williams.
The former Husky cleaned up nice with a sharp black suit and Husker red tie and a Nebraska pin. 
He answered every question with poise and thoughtful responses, pushing his overall point across that Nebraska is ready to turn the corner on and off the field. 
Yet again, he represented his hometown to the best of his ability. Be proud, Aurora. 
One more thing before I duck on out. Remember a year ago when people began clamoring for Nebraska to come running back to the Big 12?
Glad we didn’t do that. 
RICHARD RHODEN can be reached at sports@hamilton.net.