Interview: 5-Star 2022 SS Alfonzo Allen Strikes Fear into 7A Florida Offenses

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Class of 2022 strong safety Alfonzo Allen is one who is deserving of high praise for his play on the field. Lavishing the superlatives upon Allen were earned after a knockout 2018 season when he tore apart 7A Florida offenses for Everglades High School (Miramar) tallying 96 stops, 16 tackles for a loss, forced two fumbles, and broke up four passes. An easy comparison for the 6-0, 178-pound, gridiron barbarian is a young Ed Reed. Allen showed no fear playing safety and lining up in the box at linebacker as an underclassman on the way to being ranked as a five-star talent. College coaches have fallen in love with his bone rattling hits and cover skills with 11 offers being dropped to date.

The 2019 season has begun for Allen but with the McArthur Mustangs, meaning some bell ringing has begun in the Hollywood area courtesy of Allen. To learn more about his capabilities on the field, offseason grind, and early recruiting process, we sat down for an RNG exclusive visit.

Interview

Alfonzo, your style of play is fun to watch. You are a hitting machine. When the helmet is on and the mouth piece is in, what is your mindset on the field?

“My mindset is to hit everyone on the field who is not on my team.”

I believe you. When the 2018 season had ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a defender?

“My strengths were playing in the box, going sideline to sideline, and being a leader as a freshman playing varsity.”

What were the things you wanted to work on with your game this offseason?

“My focus was on getting faster, stronger, and being more of a complete safety. I worked hard on having better ball skills.”

With one game into your sophomore season under your belt, what do you feel are the new strengths to your overall game?

“My game has improved by playing better in the back, I have better cover skills, and I am better in the box. I am a complete safety.”

You played strong safety and a mix outside/inside linebacker last season. What roles are you taking on this season?

“Nothing new really. I am doing all the same things.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have 11 offers.”

Allen’s Offer Sheet (11): Arizona State, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Maryland, Miami, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, Tennessee, and Utah

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Clemson, FSU, and Florida.”

Did you visit any programs this offseason?

“Yes. I went to Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia State, and Georgia Tech.”

How did the Alabama trip turn out?

“That visit went great. The campus is really nice. I like how Coach (Nick) Saban (head coach) coaches the defensive backs.”

And the South Carolina visit, how did that go?

“It went great. Their facilities are awesome. They have a wall of honor kind of thing there with a bunch of the older players who used to play; seeing all the old players on the wall was cool.”

Do you have any planned trips coming up?

“I might go to Penn State, and others towards the end of the season. I am looking to visit Clemson, Bama, Texas A&M, and Texas.”

Last couple of questions. What goals have you set for the season?

“My goal is to get five picks and 100 tackles.”

What are some of the top games on the Mustangs’ schedule the fans should watch out for this season?

“Our next game against University and Cardinal Gibbons, those will be big games.”

Alfonzo, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the 2019 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Allen family; Alfonzo Allen at Clemson