Cheesehead
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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The former Iowa State standout came into the league last year as an undrafted free agent with Jacksonville. He spent the first 15 weeks of the season on the Jaguars’ practice squad before jumping at an opportunity to sign to the Packers’ 53-man roster.
A summer spent learning Head Coach Matt LaFleur’s system is starting to pay dividends for Lazard, who’s been showing up more on both offense and special teams over the past week.
It wasn’t just the Texans touchdown, either. Lazard was all over the practice field on Sunday, displaying an extra gear after catching a slant in a team period amid several receptions.
“Allen's done a great job, and again it starts in the practice,” LaFleur said. “He always brings energy, he always brings great effort. It certainly showed itself in the game. All you gotta do is turn on the kickoff cover and he's the first guy down there every time. We're gonna reward guys that go hard and are what we want to be about. He's earned those reps.”
The idea his efforts on special teams are what have earned Lazard opportunities brings a smile to the receiver’s face since it’s not something he ever really did at Iowa State.
An ISU legacy who grew up in Urbandale, Lazard followed in the Cyclone footsteps of his father and brother, becoming a four-year starter in the process and one of the most decorated receivers in program history. He finished as the Iowa State’s all-time leader in receptions (241) and receiving yards (3,360).
Lazard returned punts for three years but rarely played on the Cyclones’ coverage units aside from a handful of games early in his true freshman season. After going undrafted, however, Lazard knew he’d need to stand out in the third phase to survive.