On Jan. 20, a year and a half after he last ran on a track, Oregon dual-sport athlete Devon Allen competed at the Razorback Invitational.

“I was really nervous,” admitted Allen, who missed the entire 2015 track season after tearing his ACL playing football in the 2015 Rose Bowl.

Running in the 60-meter hurdles Allen took second place against a loaded field, crossing with a personal record of 7.74. That time is third fastest in school history.

Two weeks later, Allen was back at it, this time running in New Mexico at the Don Kirby Invitational. He again took second in the 60-meter hurdles (7.80).

So far it’s been a strong return to action.

“He has a mark now that is going to get him into that top 16,” Oregon head coach Robert Johnson said. “It’s just a matter of continuing to clean up and sharpen come middle of March.”

Allen hasn’t been alone during his recovery. A support system has emerged from his fellow dual-sport athletes. The other football players — Tony Brooks-James, Kirk Merritt and Charles Nelson — have been there for him throughout the entire process.

“Charles had the same injury in high school and Tony dealt with injuries throughout the football season,” Allen said. “It’s just nice to have those guys.”

All four like to push each other in meets and during practice.

“It’s cool to have competition with some guys that I’m used to being around all year,” Allen said. “Kirk is definitely a fast guy.

The other football players have also turned to Allen for advice on how to balance the workload between football, track and school. Right now, the only football training they miss is heavy lifting. The scheduling doesn’t work because the weight room sessions happen on Fridays when the track team travels.

“I know Kirk is a little upset about it because he is a big guy out there, so he is trying to keep his form,” Allen said. “But I think it will work out in the end.”

They are still able to join in on the player held seven-on-seven scrimmages. The football obligations are still relatively low. In the spring, when things pick up, Allen’s advice on balance will become more important.

Right now, Allen is still trying to shake off the rust. He is working on his flexibility and his starting speed out of the blocks. Every week his form has been better, and his ultimate goal is to be competing in the Olympics in August.

“That’s the goal,” Allen said. “Of course I want to win the NCAA indoor and outdoor and run fast, but my goal is to make that team.”

Follow Christopher Keizur on Twitter @chriskeizur