DT Allen selects the Big East

Defensive tackle Jamarcus Allen out of Orlando (Fla.) Boone made a commitment on Saturday. The 6-foot-1, 256-pounder has decided to head to the Big East.

"I committed yesterday to South Florida," he said. "I was just talking it over with my family and decided to stay in Florida.

"First I talked to coach Simmonds and then the rest of the staff. They were all real happy I did that. They had been recruiting me real hard and I decided to jump at it."

What does Allen like about the Bulls?

"I love the program," he said. "They are a rising program and have beaten everybody around even some big schools in the SEC. I look forward to being apart of something like that and by going there I get a chance to start pretty early.

"I really like the coaches including their head coach. When I went there for the senior camp, they were all running around doing the drills with the players. It really shows they aren't just looking at you as a player. The coaches are also all about academics. If you miss class, you won't play. They are going to make sure you graduate and be a student athlete. That was important and I feel like I made the best decision in my life. I'm real blessed to get a free scholarship from them to do something I love."

As for playing time, Allen will get a chance immediately.

"I'll definitely get a shot to prove I can play and if I do enough I'll see time."

Allen selected South Florida over offers from 11 other schools including Auburn, Syracuse, Iowa State, Virginia Tech and others.