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Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald responded to a question on whether new guard Beau Stephens will play on the left or right side.

The Seattle Seahawks will get a close look at a standout rookie running back who led the nation in rushing yards last season.

The team extended a rookie minicamp invite to Virginia Union back Curtis Allen, who became the first player from an HBCU to win the Harlon Hill Trophy for the nation’s top Division II running back, Black Enterprise reported.

Curtis Allen’s NFL Journey Begins in Seattle

Allen had some eye-opening numbers at Virginia Union last season, rushing for 2,409 yards in 2025 — an average of more than 200 yards per game. As Black Enterprise noted, Allen was a consistent producer for his team.

“Last season, Allen led the nation in rushing (and had a school-record 369 yards in a single game); rushed for a school-record 30 touchdowns; rushed for more than 200 yards in a game four times; led the Panthers in total offensive production; ranked among the CIAA leaders in touchdowns and all-purpose yards; recorded multiple 100-yard performances during the regular season; and earned All-CIAA honors,” the report noted.

The breakout season came after Allen appeared in just 16 total games through his first three years at Virginia Union, rushing for 563 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Curtis Allen Aiming to Make an Impression

Allen had been seen as an undrafted free agent candidate, and will get a chance to audition for a contract with the Seahawks or another team through his minicamp invite. Though he didn’t play at the Division I level, Allen still earned some NFL buzz through his massive production in his final season at Virginia Union.

As SB Nation’s Barry Shuck noted, Allen has a good combination of size and skills.

“Allen doesn’t have elite speed, but he is very quick,” Shuck wrote. “He utilizes patience to find the correct gap, then uses another gear for a burst and new acceleration to hit the hole in a hurry. His YAC numbers are very good since he is able to run through arm tackles. He also possesses a well-placed stiff arm.

“He is also a very good blocker in the backfield with the size to back it up. He is willing to step up and take on linebackers and bigger safeties. He is able to slow down defenders with good strength and agility.”

Allen could find an opportunity in Seattle if he can make a good impression at rookie minicamp. The Seahawks have some needs in the backfield after Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III left in free agency, leaving injured Zach Charbonnet at the top of the depth chart.

The Seahawks did use their top draft pick on Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price, though SB Nation’s Mookie Alexander noted he has had some difficulties with ball security.

“The concerns are definitely valid,” Alexander wrote. “Notre Dame running backs for the better part of a decade have been mostly elite at holding on to the football, so I’m not sure how this issue can be fixed. Of all of the issues a back can have, however, ball security always seems like the one that is the most easily fixed.”