Iowa first to offer Indianapolis junior
Indianapolis (Ind.) Ben Davis class of 2013 safety Antonio Allen is creating a buzz with his play this fall, and that is leading to increased interest from college programs. One school, however, was sold on the 5-11, 194-pound Allen after his sophomore season.
"I have an offer from Iowa. That came through after we played Pike at the end of last season," Allen said. "I've been talking to coach Eric Johnson and getting to know him more. We just talk about regular things like how I'm doing in school."
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Allen has yet to visit Iowa City, but is planning to be in town when the Hawkeyes play host to Northwestern on Oct. 15. His first visit this fall may take place this coming weekend with an in-state program.
"Notre Dame wants me to come to a game this Saturday when they play Michigan State," Allen said. "I am going to try to find a ride."
Letters from schools like Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon, Wisconsin and Indiana have also come through since Sept. 1. Allen goes into his recruitment with no team holding an advantage.
"I don't really have a favorite college; I just like watching college football games," Allen said. "I used to like watching Ohio State and LSU. I'd watch Iowa when I was little."
This past weekend, Allen nearly lead his team to a come-from-behind win over the then No. 5 ranked team in the RivalsHigh rankings, Indianapolis Warren Central. Ben Davis went down three touchdowns early in the game, but rallied before finally falling by a 27-21 final.
Allen was a catalyst in the comeback, notching an interception and recording close to 20 tackles. Still, it was a game he felt his team could have won.
"I think we should have come out and played harder in the first half," Allen said. "Some people were nervous, but we should have been all-in in the first half."