Interview: 3-Star 2020 LB Jordan Allen is Imposing His Will for No. 21 Cathedral Catholic
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A consistent force for one of California’s top teams over the last two seasons has been outside linebacker Jordan Allen. Allen showed he was the real deal a year ago popping 100 ball carriers with 29 tackles for a loss, and 10 sacks helping his Cathedral Catholic squad to a 12-2 season with a run to the Division-II CIF Championship Game. After earning Western League Defensive Player of the Year, the 6-2, 205-pound, defender is back inflicting his pain onto the opposition coming up with 39 stops, two sacks, and four pass breakups as the Dons (4-1) have climbed the national rankings landing at No. 21 after knocking off top teams in Saguaro (AZ) and Centennial (CA).
With all that is going on for Allen and the Dons, it was time for an RNG catch-up interview.
*Click link for July 4, 2019, RNG video interview with Jordan Allen
Interview
Jordan, the Dons have put up impressive wins this season over very good teams. How is the team looking overall in your opinion?
“Overall, we are looking great. We are being physical out there, especially in those two big games against astounding teams. We’ve been working hard and we are moving forward. They were great wins. Both sides of the ball played well, we played well in the trenches, and the skill guys did a good job as well. It has been great this season.”
What are some of the strengths of the team on both sides of the ball?
“Chemistry. We are really close at Cathedral. Over the offseason we have grown together. We have a big brotherhood at Cathedral. I am thankful for that. That is the biggest thing that is helping us win games. We are playing well on both sides and getting down and dirty on every play.”
I know you are making your contributions to the team tying for a team-high 39 stops. What is working for you this season allowing you to be as productive as you have been?
“It has been great. The coaches have put us in position to succeed. I have been doing my part to help lead the team and to lead the defense. I am making sure everyone does their job.”
Where are you lining up in the scheme this season and what are your responsibilities on any given play?
“The coaches have me at rush outside linebacker, sometimes I will drop back. I am also playing inside and at Will. My job is to always spy the quarterback, watch the running back, and keep outside containment.”
Improvements are always an important part of the game, where are you showing the biggest gains in your game over last season?
“The biggest gains I am showing are with my speed, formation recognition, and recognizing a play before it happens from watching film. I have increased my film study this season.”
Which game this season has been your best, and why do you consider that game to be your best?
“There have been a lot of games I have shinned. I am not sure any of them are my best. That is a tough one… they have all been good.”
If the tough non-conference games were not enough, you guys still have to go through the Western League. What are some of the games left on the schedule that are big ones for you and the Dons?
“The Western League is always a challenge. This Friday we play Otay Ranch (Chula Vista) and then we play Point Loma at Cathedral. The next ones after that are against Madison away, St. Augustine in the Holy Bowl, that is always a fun game and the biggest game in San Diego every year. We get a sold out crowd every year for that game.”
Jordan, from our other interviews, I know you have the six offers, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Colorado, Colorado State, Arizona, Wyoming, Hawaii, Washington State, North Carolina, and UCLA are all showing interest.”
Allen’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Florida Atlantic, Northern Arizona, San Jose State, Syracuse, and Utah State
Jordan, congratulations on the great start to the season and good luck throughout league action.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; Jordan Allen