Four schools top Florida TEs list

With 10 scholarship offers in hand and unofficial visits to most of his favorites prior to his senior season, an early commitment wouldn’t be a surprise from Venice (Fla.) tight end Brad Allen.

“We decided to get a head start on visiting and seeing the schools I was most interested in,” said Allen, who has already made trips to Auburn, Clemson, Wake Forest, Furman, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and Virginia. “But I don’t really have a time table or a set time to make a decision. It will basically be when the moment presents itself. I think in a way it would be nice to have it out of the way before my senior season, but I don’t want to rush into anything, either.”

Allen (6-4, 240, 4.78) has drawn offers from Auburn, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Michigan, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Miami of Ohio.

He says the Commodores and Cavaliers still hold the lead, but is also looking closely at Purdue and Michigan.

“I’m really looking for the best combination of academics and football and the opportunity for me,” he said. “All of those are great schools. I couldn’t go wrong with any of them. I just want to find the best one.”

Asked if he’s been particularly impressed by anyone during the recruiting process, he singled out Virginia and his recruiting coach, Andy Heck.

“He’s been really impressive,” Allen said. “I have a lot of respect for him and the way he’s recruited me. I feel like he’s very honest and helpful, and that means a lot to me.

“I think Virginia’s program is definitely on the rise with coach Groh, the players they’ve been getting and the kind of facilities they have. It’s just a great school.”

Allen, who had 300 yards receiving and two touchdowns as a junior, maintains a 3.7 GPA and has scored a 1260 on the SAT.