Interview: Speedy 2018 Tennessee APB Keiondre McAllister makes Football Exciting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The game of football is exciting in and of itself but the talent filling rosters at all levels across the U.S. takes the basics of throwing, running, and kicking the pigskin around the yard to another level – some more than others. One Class of 2018 playmaker delighting fans while befuddling the opposition with his speed and moves is all-purpose back Keiondre “Dre” McAllister.

Over the last two seasons McAllister has been one of the Tennessee’s best offensive weapons giving grey hairs to opposing defensive coordinators while making defenders lined up to stop him look foolish. Putting up nearly identical numbers in back-to-back seasons, McAllister ended his junior year with 1,170 yards rushing off 96 carries with 13 touchdowns. Complete stats in the passing attack are not available, but he did turn three passes into 47 more all-purpose yards.

Simple words do not encapsulate the electrifying skillset McAllister has come to master with the ball in his hands. With bursts of speed in space, McAllister can elude a defender with a myriad of moves giving the appearance of a man among children playing keep away with the rock. McAllister’s dynamic ways helped his South Gibson High School squad to an 8-4 mark in 2016 with held breath waiting to see what he will do during his senior campaign.

His ability to churn up chunks of yards in a hurry have drawn interest from college programs like Louisville, Duke, Virginia, and Middle Tennessee State, among others, while landing him an offer from Texas-San Antonio. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the more overlooked talents in the Volunteer State getting a rundown on his junior season, spring workouts, and recruiting process.

Interview

Dre, I must give you some props, you are extremely shifty in space. I’m guessing in a crowded phone booth you could put your shoulder pads and helmet on without touching a soul. How did you develop your skills putting moves on defenders?

“Just doing drills trying to perfect my craft. I watch a lot of old Reggie Busch college day highlight reels. I mimic him. I do his moves in my workouts and turn it to the field. I used to watch his reel every night.”

How fast are you? What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“I ran a 4.51 at a MTSU camp (2016).”

Do you run track for South Gibson?

“I did at the beginning of the season but I am focused on football this off-season. I want to perfect my craft before next year begins and for camps this summer.”

What kind of offense does South Gibson run?

“We run the triple option.”

The offense runs a lot of tosses, reverses, traps and counters to get you the ball in space so you can make your magic happen. Of all the formations and/or plays, which one is your favorite to run?

“We spread it out a lot. I like the jet sweep. I can get out in the open field one-on-one quicker.”

Will your role on offense expand next season?

“Yes. They are going to put in at slot receiver, running back, cornerback, kick returner, and punt returner.”

Are you excited about playing defense in 2017?

“Yes, sir. I’m trying to show I can be a two-way player.”

What all are you working on this spring to prepare for your senior year?

“I’m working on my speed, agility, and my hips mostly. I’m working on my upper body and building up my endurance. I am eating right too. I plan on playing every snap to help my team win next season.”

Which areas of your game do you consider your strengths on the field?

“My speed, my footwork, and my vision. My change of direction is a strength. I can stop on a dime and go the other direction.”

Have you been to any exposure camps yet this spring?

“Yes, sir. I went to the Nike Opening in Cleveland.”

How well did you do?

“It went well. I got a lot of work with some ex-NFL players helping me prefect my craft. I watched other players do what they do picking up on their game as well.

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“Yes, sir. I’m going to MTSU, Wake Forest, Louisville, Vanderbilt, UTSA, Stanford, and maybe Tennessee.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“MTSU, Duke, Virginia, and Wake Forest.”

Which schools have offered?

“I have one offer from UTSA.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“Louisville and Vanderbilt last season and Eastern Kentucky.”

Do you have any planned visits this spring or summer?

“I am going to Virginia over the summer, MTSU, and UTSA. I really want to go visit UTSA since they offered.”

What are college coaches telling you that they like about your game?

“They say they like my speed, my hips as well, my shiftiness and my vision.”

Have any colleges come by your school this spring to watch one of your practices?

“We start spring practices next week, but Southeast Missouri and MTSU have come by.”

Do you know if any others are coming by soon?

“I believe Duke and Vanderbilt.”

What are your personal goals for your senior year?

“I just want to finish the year off strong. I have a 3.8 GPA right now. I want to retake my ACT. I currently have a 22. With football, I want to come in and be a lift for the team. I want us to work hard and come together as a team. We can only go up.”

Dre, thanks for your time today and good luck with the start of spring practices next week.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Milan Mirror Exchange; Dre McAllister makes a defender miss (2016).

Photo credit: McAllister family; Dre McAllister at Vanderbilt (2016).

Photo credit: McAllister family; Dre McAllister at Louisville (2016).