Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen officially accepted the invite in November to play in this year's Reese's Senior Bowl. Assuming he still plans to play, Allen is likely to land on the South squad.


Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the 49ers staff will be coaching the South squad on January 26 in Mobile, Alabama. Allen, a linebacker at Kentucky, was not listed among the Senior Bowl linebackers on Monday. He could, however, have elected instead to play defensive end to better showcase his pass rushing skills.


Allen, one of the best pass rushers in this year's rookie class, is expected to be among the players selected at the top of the draft order. The 49ers own the No. 2 overall pick, and if the Arizona Cardinals choose Nick Bosa of Ohio State, Allen could find himself headed to Santa Clara.

Why are we assuming Allen will land on the Shanahan-led squad and not the North squad, which will be coached by Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders staff? Because when the defensive backs were announced on Tuesday, three Kentucky players landed on the South squad. The Senior Bowl typically keeps college teammates together.



Again, this is all assuming Allen still plans to participate. If he doesn't and would rather focus on preparing for the NFL Scouting Combine next month, none of this really matters.

Complete rosters for the Reese's Senior Bowl are scheduled to be released on Wednesday. That is when we will officially learn Allen's Senior Bowl fate.

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