In both college and high school, smaller division schools often do not get the same level of exposure and recognition that they deserve. This is even truer of the players that play in those leagues. Look at small school success stories like Brian Westbrook (Villanova) or Joe Flacco (Delaware) who have had a successful NFL careers.
The Encinal High Jets have been a powerhouse the past few years as they went 13-0 in 2008 and were the Bay Shore Athletic League (BSAL) and North Coast Section Division III champions. In 2009, the Jets were 12-2 earning back-to-back BSAL titles. This season, expectations are high and are dependent on senior running back/outside linebacker, Jonathan Allen.
As a two-way starter since his sophomore year, Allen is 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds. This Jet has been playing football since he was 8 years old and can run 4.57 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has a shuttle time of 4.49 seconds, can bench press 265 pounds, squat 417 pounds, and has a vertical of 36 inches. As a junior last year, Allen accounted for 951 rushing yards with 6 touchdowns, 170 receiving yards with 1 touchdown, and 54 tackles.
He models his game after former Oklahoma Sooner Adrian Peterson because of his running style and tenacity. At a recent game against Serra High in San Mateo, Allen displayed his quickness and toughness. On a few runs, he was close to breaking the run if not for the proverbial shoelace tackle. On several runs, he was running sweeps into the teeth of the defense and absorbed the punishment for the next play. The Jets employ a double wing and allows the back to use his vision to read the correct blocks and run through the open lanes. In addition, Allen has a quick spin move to elude the would-be tacklers. During the offseason, Allen works on his acceleration, speed bursts, and vision.
Allen's family is originally from the District of Columbia as both of his parents are Old Dominion alumni while his older sister is currently attending Howard University. He still has family in Maryland and Virginia. Allen has a 3.11 GPA with a 1770 SAT score. He wants to major in History as his best subject is History.
This two-way star has been in contact with Lewis and Clark, San Jose State, UC Davis, and Valparaiso. He does not have any geographical restrictions and is looking to play for a program that wants to win and compete for championships.
Allen considers his work ethic to be of a high standard and he is willing to put in the hours to be better in all aspects of a student athlete. When he first started high school, he had to put in the extra hours to maintain his grades to be eligible to play. In addition, Allen has matured since his early years. As a sophomore, he was suspended for a playoff game. He learned from the experience and worked to be a better and dependable teammate going forward.
If all goes well, Allen should be the next Encinal High playing on the NCAA level. Jonathan Brown (2009) is now with Boise State while Tyrone Duckett (2010) is with Washington State. Encinal Head Coach Jose Tenorio says, "Jonathan's strengths are his work ethic and his desire. He wants to be good. He is tenacious on the field. Great competitor. I personally believe he's a D I athlete. He's that same talent as a Brown or Duckett but hasn't replaced either of the leadership from Brown or ability to get people to listen to him like Duckett. Good kid. Dedicated and it has been a pleasure to coach him."
What Coach Tenorio says is definitely true. At the Serra High game, Encinal only had 25 varsity players. As a result, most of the players were playing both ways. In Allen's case, he was playing linebacker, running back, punt returner, kick returner, and punter. This is a testament to the Encinal High football program, but also to Allen.
Allen's competitiveness and tenacity should earn him a spot playing on Saturdays.
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