Clayton Allen '23 Recruiting Profile

“I just want to hit people!” When I was two and a half, my grandfather tells me that said that to him when we were watching a football game.  I wanted to play football at that young age.  I remember watching games and wanting to learn football strategy.  Every Sunday was my day to watch and learn.  I started playing tackle football in second grade. I played offense as a running back and defense as a defensive end.   I enjoyed the game so much and I also enjoyed winning.

My high school career has been great.  On the freshman team, we were undefeated.  I was a middle linebacker and I loved rushing the quarterback!  The split decisions that I made, challenged me.  I learned a lot about my skills and my ability to run and catch the quarterback.  I also played on offense as a running back.  Rushing yards was my specialty. I am not afraid to run through the opposition.  I am strong and that strength has served me well.  My sophomore year I was switched to an outside linebacker.  I really enjoyed this position and I thrived in the pressure of the position. In my junior year, I continued to develop my skills.  I was on special teams and when that ball was kicked, no one could get down the field faster.  This is the time where I showed others…that I could hit people. I am looking forward to my senior year.  My plan is to continue as the outside linebacker but also play offense as a running back.  I am interested in honing my skills and continuing to increase my speed and my strength.

One thing that has developed my speed is running track.  I lettered last year by running the hurdles, both the 110 HH and the 300m H. This year, I continued with both hurdle races and added sprints, 400m and 4x400m.  I also ran the 4x400m in the Indoor State Championship. My coach encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, which showed me that I have the skills to compete in multiple races and succeed. I have improved all my times this year and the season is not over yet.  I qualified for sectional in both hurdle races.  I am looking forward to competing.

One of the best things about football is that it is a team sport.  My teammates are important, and I am on the leadership team for the Class of 2023.  I enjoy motivating the team and playing alongside my teammates.  There is nothing like being on special teams and running down the field and causing a fumble…and recovering the ball and running towards the goal line—this happened last year. I am extremely competitive and I will continue to push myself to be the best I can be. I cannot wait for this season to start.

School is an important part of who I am.  I really like Math and Science, so I chose Engineering as a career.  I enjoy putting the pieces together and understanding how things work.  I like a challenge and that is exactly what my junior year turned out to be.  I learned a lot about my study habits, being more efficient with a limited amount of time, and learning the importance of decreasing distractions.  I was also inducted into the National Honor Society, which was a great moment for me. Being a student athlete requires dedication and I learned to prioritize and balance school and other activities that are very important to me, like tutoring students and volunteering at my church.  My schedule is busy, but I would not have it any other way.

I had a great senior year!  I went for it and worked hard to accomplish my goals! I am above the national average in every defensive category with: 76 total tackles, average tackles per game 5.8, with two sacks, and one interception! I ended the year with my third varsity letter in football and the "Most improved player" award! I know that I will work hard when I play in college and I am looking forward to seeing where I will end up.

Thank you for your time.

Clayton Allen