Interview: Cathedral Catholic Developing 2020 OLB Jordan Allen into Next Level Talent

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Cathedral Catholic pushed through a tough 2017 schedule with a roster filled with underclassmen. The Dons fought hard making the playoffs ending the schedule 5-7. The team, as a complete unit, took in a lot of gridiron lessons during the 2017, but lessons that will payoff greatly in 2018. The Dons once again have a young squad entering the offseason, but with a group of players that are ready to showcase what they learned the year before with a little bit of payback mixed into the equation. One of the talents quickly blossoming into a next level talent out of the San Diego area is Jordan Allen.

Allen (6-2, 195) is that ideal outside linebacker capable of supplying pressure off the edge, coming up in run support, and dropping back to cover in man or zone schemes. The fluidity of his game and knack for always being around the ball has college scouts wanting to be around him. The 2020 recruit is already drawing interest from teams like Arizona, Colorado, Cal, San Diego State, UCLA, and Stanford, among others.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s fastest rising recruiting talents covering his sophomore season on the field with an update on his growing recruiting process.

Interview

Jordan, you played that true outside linebacker role last year for the Dons stopping the run, getting after the quarterback, and dropping back into coverage. Is there a game on your reel that best showcases all your talents?

“Probably the Madison game. I did really well rushing and dropping back. The Scripps Ranch game was another good one. I had some sacks and big plays in that one. My coverage was good too.”

When the 2017 season ended, what were the strengths of your game?

“I thought I stopped the run well. I finished off my tackles well, especially with my open-field tackling.”

Is there an area or two of your game you are wanting to fine-tune this spring and summer?

“I want to work on my drops. I can cover well, but I want to work on my man coverage more.”

Is there a player at the collegiate or NFL level you watch to learn more about playing the game?

“Yes. I liked watching Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama). I love the way he plays. He is very physical. I like watching Von Miller (Denver Broncos) with the way he rushes the quarterback. I like Malcom Jenkins (Philadelphia Eagles) as well.”

Where all might we see you on the field in 2018?

“Same position, at outside linebacker.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?

“I have. My bench is 225, I’m cleaning 215, and my squat is 315.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Arizona State, San Diego State, UCLA, UNLV, Colorado, Fresno State, Stanford, Cal, and Arizona are all showing interest.”

Have you visited any schools on an unofficial yet?

“I went to Arizona State on a game day visit. I also took game day visits to UCLA, San Diego State, and Arizona last year.”

Do you have any planned visits scheduled, or any that you might take?

“I’m planning on visiting Arizona State, Cal, San Diego State, and maybe Arizona and UCLA.”

Are you planning on attending any college camps this summer?

“I am for sure going to USC, loved that camp last year. I’m also planning on attending camps at ASU, Arizona, and UCLA.”

Are you going to compete at any national camps or combines this spring?

“I went to the Nike Opening Regional last year. This year I might do the Polynesian combine and Rivals.”

What goals have you set for yourself this offseason?

“I want to remain a 3.5 student (GPA), be a better student of game, get one percent better every day, and be a good leader on and off the field. I am working out every day to get bigger and faster.”

Jordan, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts and with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Fraser Clan; Jordan Allen in action (2017)