2014 OL talks about PSU visit, schools

Derek Allen was among the crowd of prospects Penn State hosted this weekend for the game against Ohio State. Though he arrived too late to have a chance to talk with the coaches, he still had a lot to say about his experience.

"We saw the stands and what the fans were like. The atmosphere was really great in the stadium," said the 6-foot-6, 280-pound Allen. "When we got in the stadium all of the fans were great and telling me it is the greatest place to go. I was wowed and everyone is really into their football."

The offensive tackle out of Edison (N.J.) shared a few of his observations from the game.

"The offense wasn't able to run the ball and their line keep getting blow up," explained Allen. "The defense played well up until the second half and I don't know what happened after that. They have to have leaders that will step up. The quarterback wasn't making any throws and they didn't seem like they were that into the game. It didn't seem like anyone was a leader out there."

Allen has yet to receive an offer but he attracting interest from many big time programs like Florida State, Georgia and Oregon.

"I like Pittsburgh, Rutgers and Oregon," said Allen. "I like that Oregon is a fast passed team and they're playing good defense. I went to Rutgers a couple of times and I like the way they're really into education. They're getting onto the map now with all those wins and being ranked.

"Pitt is showing the most interest. They really want me to come down there for a visit and they were one of the first schools to contact me," Allen said. "A Pitt coach came to my practice and I've talked with them on the phone. A temple coach also came down here during the offseason and I spoke with him and I'm calling him every once in a while."

Where does Allen envision his first offer coming from?

"I'd like to get my first offer from Pitt," he said. "I'm looking for a school where I can have a chance to play, has the major I want and coaches I really enjoy being coached by."

Allen, who will be taking the SAT in the next few months, is planning on going to the Pitt vs. Rutgers game.