Defensive end friends play first season together

When Pierre Allen came to Nebraska, he never expected to play alongside Barry Turner.

The two see each other as brothers in a relationship that only became more tight-knit through a season-ending injury. It was an injury, however, that gave the potential starting defensive ends an opportunity neither expected.

With Turner being granted one final season of eligibility, the two close friends get to start together at each end spot – something they both thought would be unthinkable.

"It's going to be great," Allen said. "I never would have imagined coming in that my dream would come true – that's my boy."

Allen was introduced to Turner when he came to Lincoln in 2006 as a freshman. A relationship that was meant for Allen to learn from Turner evolved into more than just a student-teacher relationship.

"He's like a big brother to me," Allen said. "Ever since I stepped on campus in '06, he's always been a mentor to me on and off the field. We both have families, we both have wives and young children, so we do family things together. It's more than just football with me and Barry."

Allen and Turner go out to eat together, spend family time together and even bowl together. Just don't ask either of them who they think the better bowler is.

"I have to take that one," Allen said in jest. "It's Team Allen vs. Team Turner when we go. It's fun."

Turner disagrees.

"I don't know about that," Turner responds. "I don't ever remember him actually winning. He was a low-100 bowler the last time we went if I can remember right."

Allen said he will forever see Turner as his big brother on the team, but he wasn't willing to reveal too many secrets about Turner like a little brother would tell about his older sibling.

Allen did crack a little by saying one thing about Turner that many might not know.

"He's so country," Allen said.

Turner explained.

"I talk a little different," Turner joked. "I have a different slur. Some of the words I say, they just laugh at it. I know I went through McDonald's one morning, and I asked for a sausage biscuit. I say it as ‘shawsage bizkit' and they just laugh at it."

Allen enters 2009 after starting 11 games in a season where he didn't expect to see much playing time. Allen not only became a significant part of an NU defense that improved immensely, but he all but solidified his spot as the starter opposite Turner at defensive end.

A lot of Allen's progress came from the fact that he had a trustworthy friend in Turner, helping him last season from the sidelines.

"He was at my shoulder the whole season," NU defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said. "He was almost a student-coach last year, and now I think that's paying off for him because he has a great grasp of what we're doing defensively."

Turner is on the comeback path after breaking his leg. It was a tough loss for the Huskers last year because Nebraska coaches had high expectations for Turner, who led the team in sacks in 2007.

"The old Barry is back," Pelini said. "He's fast as heck off the ball, and he's back. I don't see any after-effects from that ankle right now. Just watching one day of practice, I'd say he looks like Barry from a year ago but with a better understanding of the defense, which makes him even faster."

Turner has been forever grateful for the ruling that will allow him to play this year, and he believes it will make him a more driven player.

"It's really impactful, and I really take every practice and every game really personal," Turner said. "Any player, especially in your senior year, should know any play could be your last play."

Allen remembers vividly when Turner was lost for the '08 season. He knew his playing time would increase dramatically, but it was at the cost of a good friend's season.

"When he first went down, I was kind of nervous because I didn't have a lot of experience, and I didn't know what to expect, but as the games went on, I started to get more comfortable and start playing," Allen said. "Outside of this, (Turner's) like a brother to me. We'll always keep in contact no matter where he ends up and no matter where I end up."

The two will be able to look over and see their best friend on the field with them for the first time in a game on Sept. 5 when the Huskers host Florida Atlantic.

"We haven't really talked about it yet, but you can just feel the vibe because he doesn't really coach me anymore," Allen said. "I didn't see this happening at all. I'm kind of thankful, though, that I will be able to get this experience."

spencerschubert@dailynebraskan.com