Keenan Allen: Projecting Cal Star Wide Receiver's 2012 Stats

Cal wide receiver Keenan Allen had a breakout season last year, but look for his junior campaign to be even better.

Allen's ankle surgery back in March shouldn't affect his growth going into the 2012 season. The Bears' star wide receiver will still be the focal point in the passing game. 

Another 1,000-yard season receiving will come easily for this dynamic wideout, which is why other categories in his stat line will also improve next year.

Allen will surpass 100 receptions as the Bears' No. 1 receiver.

Last season, Allen more than doubled his receptions from his freshman campaign and hauled in a whopping 98 catches, which placed him second all-time in Cal history.

He was only two receptions shy of tying the school record with Dameane Douglas, but Allen has all the talent to eclipse that mark in 2012. 

Returning quarterback Zach Maynard will make sure Allen gets more touches due in large part to their growing chemistry.

The two connected well together last season as Allen developed into Maynard's favorite target. 

With more receptions coming his way, Allen's receiving yards will obviously see a noticeable boost.

In 2011, he compiled 1,343 yards receiving and also had nine games in which he had more than 80 yards.

He struggled his freshman year to be a consistent threat, which isn't abnormal for new comers. However, his quick turnaround the following season was something special.

His consistency in 2012 will be the key to piling on more yards and cracking 1,500 yards receiving—which is something that Allen is more than capable of doing. 

There aren't too many gaping holes in Allen's game, but getting into the end zone is an issue that will be corrected moving forward.

Surprisingly, Allen was left out of the end zone in six games last season.

Also, in both years with the Bears, he has failed to get multiple touchdowns in a game.

With his 6'3" frame, Allen will become a big-time target in the red zone in 2012. There's no question that Cal will use his height more effectively and take advantage.   

Fighting for the extra yards can go a long way by the time a season is over.

Last year, Allen had a solid average of 13.7 yards per reception.

To take his game to another level, this star receiver needs to get at least 15 yards per catch. 

Using his size, Allen will certainly improve in this aspect and squeeze out the tough yards after each reception.   

Allen is a stud at receiver, but the truth is he's not very effective as a return man.

In the last two seasons, the Bears have tried to implement him on kickoffs as well as punt returns, and the results have been less than stellar.

Allen just doesn't have the burst and breakaway speed that a good return man needs.

The Bears will cut down his touches on special teams in 2012 and leave him as a sole contributor on offense.