One of the nation’s top uncommitted offensive linemen doesn’t want to talk much about recruiting these days while he’s focused on his senior season of high school.
But he did reveal some major recruiting news to the AJC this week. It has to do with the one and only official visit that 4-star Willie Allen has planned so far — and it’s good for UGA.
“I know for a fact that I will take an official to Georgia, but I have no idea about any other schools yet,” the 6-foot-7, 310-pound offensive tackle said.
Why UGA? “Georgia seems to be about faith and family,” Allen said.
“Coach (Mark) Richt is a Godly guy and that’s what I like about him. He’s family first and I know for a fact I can count on him. Also (UGA offensive line coach) Rob Sale is a good guy. We have a good genuine relationship. That’s what I will really make my decision on. It will be what kind of relationships I have with people and knowing that I can count on them.”
The nation’s No. 57 overall prospect has already developed a friendship with UGA quarterback commitment Jacob Eason, even though they met for the first time at Dawg Night in July. Allen said he wanted to play college ball with a big-time quarterback prospect like Eason.
“He’s a real good person to be around and he’s a quarterback who is pretty much my size,” Allen said. “We are pretty good friends right now.”
The senior also favors in-state schools Tulane and LSU. He said that Auburn and Ole Miss are also on his recruiting radar. Allen felt those were “pretty much” his top schools, but he was not ready to release a Top 5 yet.
“I haven’t released any top schools,” Allen said. “I know how some people will give out false information to include a lot of schools. I’m not that type of person. Whenever I release my top schools, that will be the schools which I will take my official visits, too.”
Allen feels that he has established the strongest recruiting ties with offensive line coaches from the following SEC schools: Auburn’s J.B. Grimes, LSU’s Jeff Grimes, Ole Miss’ Matt Luke and Sale.
“It is up to them to recruit me hard and just make me feel at home,” Allen said. “I realize it is a business and whichever university I choose to go play for I plan on working hard.”
He’s committed to playing in the Under Armour All-American game. Allen also told the AJC he will make his college between the end of his senior season and before National Signing Day. He also said he will not enroll early.
“You only get to be a senior one time,” said Allen, who plans to major in business and criminal justice. “I’d rather finish my senior year out and not enroll early.”
Allen aspires to be a DEA or an FBI agent one day. He also said his family members have left his college decision up to him. Its his life and his choice.
“I just want to focus on the season and getting my team another state championship,” Allen said. “I want to be a better leader and get better at encouraging my teammates.”
Jeff Sentell covers UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges.
