Interview: 5-Star 2022 All-American DB Alfonzo Allen Updates Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
With the football world watching, Alfonzo Allen did it again. After an amazing freshman season with McArthur High School, the Hollywood (FL) area defensive back showed his play in 2018 was no fluke. His talents have elevated his recruiting status to that of a five-star with 18 offers to pick from so far, and two more years’ worth of bellringing left at the high school ranks.
The freshman season for Allen was eye-catching, and for good reason. Florida high school football is among the best in the nation, and certainly at the 7A classification, but here comes a 6-0, 180-pound, defensive back knocking highly-sought after national recruits on their ass. Allen tallied 96 tackles with 16 tackles for a loss, forced two fumbles and knocked away four passes. The sophomore run showed even more of Allen’s versatility seeing him at safety, in the box at linebacker, and he even lined up at defensive end. He posted 90 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss, five sacks, three QB hurries, forced five fumbles, and broke up 15 passes and blocked a punt in the team’s 11 games played. Allen was still awarded second team All-American honors for his play on the field in 2019.
In an another RNG interview, Allen breaks down his action on the gridiron in 2019 with an update on his recruiting visits.
*Click link for Sept. 3, 2019, RNG interview with Alfonzo Allen
Interview
Alfonzo, we spoke at the start of the season covering the goals you wanted to accomplish in 2019. How did the season go? Did you accomplish what you set forth to do?
“Yes. I accomplished most of my goals, but there is always room to improve to get better for the next season.”
The Mustangs’ coaches had you all over the field, playing deep and in the box – you name it. What roles were you playing within the defensive scheme during your sophomore season?
“The coaches had me at safety, linebacker, and sometimes on the defensive line. It depended on the team. I played some end to have more DBs on the field.”
Your play recognition shows greatly on game film. What preparation were you putting into each game to be a play-maker on the field come game time?
“I was watching film a lot. I was looking at the offensive linemen to see if they had their hand down in the dirt or if they were in a pass-set stance; that made the game easier.”
The explosion to the ball and your overall speed looked fantastic throughout the season. What were some of the other areas of your game that you showcased in 2019?
“Being more of a ballhawk. Being in the back by myself as a one-high safety, I had more deflections this season.”
We’re sitting down watching your game film together. I want to see your best game from the 2019 season, which game are we watching?
“All of them.”
I like it. What do you feel are now the strengths to your game?
“Knowing where the ball is at or going – my football IQ, and helping the defense overall. My cover skills, open field tackling, and my ability to go sideline to sideline.”
Will your positions change on the field next season or will you add other responsibilities?
“I will still play the hybrid role on defense next season.”
What is the focus of your offseason workouts?
“Getting bigger and faster.”
Colleges have not hesitated to offer you. How many are you holding now?
“I have 18 offers. My most recent came from Nebraska.”
Allen’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, Tennessee, and Utah
Over the course of the season did you take any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I went to Florida and Miami.”
Tell me about the Florida visit.
“It was awesome. That was my first time there. The whole stadium was packed; I was there for the FSU game.”
And the Miami trip, how did that go?
“It was good too. I have been there multiple times; I am used to it now.”
Are there any planned visits ahead?
“I might go to Maryland, Nebraska, and Arizona State this offseason.”
Alfonzo, thanks for your time today and good luck with your workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Allen family/McArthur HS; Alfonzo Allen