RECRUITING: All Eyes on Allen

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LSU has sights set on West Monroe defensive lineman Jordan Allen

by Daniel Mingea III
Tiger Rag Recruiting Analyst

CLICK HERE to read Mingea’s recruiting blog at NOLA.com.

In football the battle begins up front on both the offensive and defensive lines. And unlike the skill positions, you can never have too many linemen.

Coach Les Miles and the Tigers are set to add a sluice of offensive linemen in the class of 2009 along with a handful of monsters on the defensive side of the ball as well, but the recruiting will not stop there as Miles already has his eyes set on a class member of 2010.

Defensive linemen Jordan Allen (6-5, 250, 4.8) has a good idea of what it takes to play big-time football as he is a member of the prestigious West Monroe Rebels. Last season he recorded close to 70 tackles, nine sacks, nine tackles for a loss, seven pass knock downs, one blocked punt which he returned for a score, and two blocked field goals. Those numbers granted him All-District, All-Northeast, and All-State honors and Allen hopes his effort will bring in even bigger accolades in the near future.

“I think I did good last season,” Allen claimed. “I thought I improved over the summer and brought what I learned into the season. I expect next year to be just as good especially because I’ll be one of the remaining defensive players.”

Allen’s play improved enough to where he has landed an early offer from Nebraska as well as many letters from various SEC schools. One school in particular appears to be on the verge of extending Allen an offer as well.

“I spoke to coach Miles from LSU right before the Ole Miss game this past season,” Allen explained. “One of the coaches said coach Miles wanted to talk to me and so I went and sat with him before they went out on the field. He said I have my eye on you and you have no choice you are coming here.

“I was really surprised about that, especially hearing it from coach Miles,” Allen added with excitement. “When you always see someone on television you just don’t expect to hear that. I like LSU. I’ve never seen a better fan base from any other school. Just the roar of the crowd in Tiger Stadium alone, nothing compares to that.”

Even if an official offer would arise from the Tigers, Allen wants to explore all of his options before deciding what university is best for him. However, he does know location will play a major role in his decision.

“I want to keep it close to home,” Allen commented on deciding what college to attend. “Nebraska is kind of far. I’d like to keep it closer to driving distance because my dad doesn’t like to fly, but I’ll probably tour around to see what’s best for me.

“I want to go to a school that will support my major, but I’m not sure what that is going to be just yet,” Allen continued. “I’d also like to go to a place that seems somewhat secure. I’ll develop a better idea of everything I’m looking for in a school as I go along.”

Note: Allen intends on attending LSU’s Junior Day later this month.