By Carson Field

It’s been a tumultuous last few years for Kyle Allen. The former Desert Mountain star, rated the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2014, struggled to earn playing time at Texas A&M, leading to his transfer to a smaller program. Even at Houston — his eventual destination — he ended up backing up Kyle Postma and D’Eriq King before deciding to leave school after his redshirt junior year for a shot at the NFL. 

Things seem to be on the rise for the second-year NFL quarterback, however. Allen is expected to make his second career professional start for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday against the Cardinals in Glendale. 

Not only is it another opportunity for the 23-year-old signal caller to prove himself, it’s a homecoming.

Here’s a look at Allen by the numbers: 

8,201

In 32 games as Desert Mountain’s starting quarterback, he threw for 8,201 yards. He also tallied 86 passing touchdowns. 

This prolific stat line earned him five-star status from almost every prominent recruiting database. With offers from Arizona State, Ohio State and Notre Dame, among others, Allen ultimately chose to continue his career at Texas A&M. 

3,674

Of Allen’s more than 8,000 passing yards, 3,674 were thrown to Mark Andrews, the current tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. Week 3 marks Arizona’s second in a row facing a Desert Mountain product.

A week ago, Andrews carved the Cardinals’ defense, catching eight passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. 

24

In Allen’s past two outings against opponents from the Grand Canyon State, he won by a combined margin of 24 points. In 2015, Allen led Texas A&M over Arizona State, 38-17, in the Advocare Texas Kickoff. Two years later, he started behind center in Houston’s 19-16 road win over Arizona. 

The only other quarterback to split time with Allen in those victories? Kyler Murray in 2015.  

98.3

In Allen’s first NFL start, Week 17 against the Saints, he posted a stellar QBR of 98.3. To put this into perspective, 100 is the highest possible QBR grade. 

He threw two touchdowns and completed almost 60 percent of his passes in the Panthers’ 33-14 win. 

0

Though he’s only appeared in two NFL games, Allen is yet to throw an interception at the professional level. The second-year passer has thrown 31 pass attempts, completing 20. He hasn’t even thrown a pick in more than 70 preseason throws. 

Unless something changes in the Cardinals’ secondary on Sunday, this figure could stay intact. Through two games, Arizona has yet to intercept an opposing quarterback.