Chris Allen said he was still a bit nervous when he bit on the honorary jersey for the Under Armour All-America Game on Wednesday, but there is no doubt he deserves the recognition.
Ranked as the No. 10 outside linebacker in the Class of 2017, Allen was an all-state selection last fall for a Southern Lab (Baton Rouge) team that won the Division IV state title in Louisiana. This season, he is a big reason why Southern Lab is 5-1, on a four-game winning streak and ranked second in the state.
But he also understands the big reasons he is heading to Orlando for the Jan. 1 showcase is because of his effort and the people around him.
Chris presented his parents, Lloyd and Susie Allen, with the Dream Champion Award. (Photo: Intersport)
“It feels great to knows that my hard work is paying off,” he told The Advocate after the Selection Tour presented by American Family Insurance stopped at his school. “I would never have gotten this far with my past and present teammates and coaches and most importantly my parents.”
Allen might use the stage of the Under Armour game to announce his college commitment. While LSU was seemingly ahead at one point, he is down to LSU and Alabama and will take official visits to each. But he also said he could wait until National Signing Day.
Either way, he plans to enjoy the experience of being an All-American.
“Ever since I was in middle school, I have watched the Under Armour All-America game,” Allen said, according to The Advocate. “I thought to myself how fortunate those players were and how much of an honor it was. I thought that I would never be this lucky to become an Under Armour All-American.