DITR: Jeremiah Allen

Jeremiah Allen is a class of 2023 running back for McKinley Senior High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Jeremiah is 5’10” and 175 lbs. Allen is an elusive back who has the kind of vision and speed that leaves opposing defensive coordinators baffled.

How long have you been playing football?

J: I’ve been playing since I was five. My uncle was the one who got me into it. He always told me to look up to the players who were older than me and try to learn from watching them play.

Do you play any other positions or only RB?

J: My favorite position is running back, but I also play slot receiver and a little bit of linebacker.

What did your off-season training regiment look like?

J: I would work out in the morning and do conditioning in the afternoon. I wasn’t really working on a specific part of my game, I was mostly just making sure to get my body right for the season.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming season?

J: Yes, I want to achieve 1500 rushing yards and 1000 passing yards. I want to set my standards high because I know that I am capable of reaching these numbers.

What kind of running back would you describe yourself as? 

J:I’m definitely more of an elusive back. I usually beat people with my speed and quick-twitch ability but I’m never afraid to put my head down.

What is your favorite part about playing running back?

J: I get a lot of joy out of running with the football. Breaking defenders, trucking them, constantly making them miss is fun for me.

What is your most memorable moment on the field?

J: My first time winning a championship was definitely the game that stuck with me the most. Granted I was in sixth grade playing for the South Baton Rouge Rams, but I had like 200 rush yards and two touchdowns. Back then it felt like I was breaking away big runs every time I touched the ball. I really hope I am able to play in another championship here in High School because those games when it matters the most are the games that I live for.

How would your teammates describe you? 

J: Probably as a quiet guy, I’m not really one to be talking a lot on the field. I care for people and try to help out in any way I can off the field. On the field, I just lock in on the game and zone out everything that’s not physically on the field. I try to encourage my teammates in the game no matter what the score is.

What is a part of your game that you feel will translate to the next level?

J: Definitely my vision is something that can translate. I had been told that a lot growing up through different coaches. I even feel like sometimes I can see the play before it happens. That’s how I scored against Capitol. I saw that there were no linebackers in the middle so I already knew that the cutback was there.

Do you have any role models who have inspired you? It can be football related or just life? 

J: My dad is an inspiration to me. He didn’t play football but just as a person, he’s the guy who I am always looking up to.

What is something that recruiters should know about you?

J: That I’m not a quitter. Even when times get hard I will push through it and fight so that I can be great.

Why do you play football?

J: I love the game. Being out on that field makes me feel free. It keeps me out of trouble, it keeps me occupied, and gives me something to look forward to every day.

Do you think football has affected you as a person? Why or why not?

J: Absolutely, it has taught me how to be smart and how to keep my mind focused on the task at hand. Football is very important to me. Having all these coaches around me as positive influences has given me perspective and affected the way I live my life in a positive way. 

Has football taught you any valuable lessons? 

J: It has taught me never to doubt anyone and not to talk down on anybody. You might see some guy on film who doesn’t look too big or fast, but you realize the second you start doubting him is when he’s gonna make you look foolish.

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