Countdown to 2018 IUFB Kickoff: 44 Days (Thomas Allen)

Written By Rylie Kyhn

Countdown to Kickoff: #44 – Thomas Allen

Height: 6’ 3’’

Weight: 237 pounds

Hometown: Tampa, Florida (Plant)

Year: Redshirt Freshman

Position: Linebacker

Being a Division I athlete has its challenges but if your dad happens to be the coach, it can make things challenging in a different way. Anyone who has played on a team coached by one of their parents can say it definitely has its ups and downs and it’s not all fun and games. It’s easy to understand that Thomas Allen and his family had a big decision to make when deciding where to take his talents when it came to the collegiate level. When the Hoosiers offered Allen a spot on the roster, he and the rest of his family were faced with a big decision for many reasons but when it came down to it, he decided to become an Indiana Hoosier.

During a spring interview Allen shared what his experience playing under his father has been like so far and how he ultimately came to his decision. “It’s different. It’s a cool experience and it’s one that I got to pick. At first I was like ‘heck no’ i’m not playing for my dad,” said Allen but after discussing with players who have done it, his mindset changed a bit.

“At the end of the day it was either, ‘he will always get to see you play, or never get to see you play’ and I am real close with my dad and with my family so I want them to get to see me play,” said Allen. With more family just a few hours up the road, it then became more obvious to him on where he wanted to begin his college career.

His family played a huge part in his decision but there were more factors that went into making a final decision. “Yeah i’m here because I want to play for my dad, but i’m here because I was born in Indiana. I’m from here. I want to play for here and I want to do great things here,” said Allen.

Having your parent also be your coach can be difficult and Allen made it clear that there are rules that come with the territory. “There is a fine line. On the field it’s business and off the field it’s a different relationship.”

Allen played for two different high schools, Oxford in 2013 and 2014 and Plant in 2015 and 2016. He was a four-year football and two-year basketball letterwinner. Although he was only ranked a two star coming out of high school, he had a fantastic high school career and played on four division championship teams and three state runner-ups as well as earned himself many honors.

Allen was named the 2016 Tampa Bay Defensive Player of the Year and earned second team All-State as well as a first team All-State selection at Oxford. He finished his career with 470 tackles, 119 for a loss, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and one interception and was ranked the number 29 inside linebacker nationally by ESPN. Allen had offers from Florida

International University, Rutgers, Princeton and Miami among others but chose to play for the Hoosiers. Coming from Plant High School he was teammates with defensive back Juwan Burgess, linebacker Micah McFadden and wide receiver Whop Philyor.

The coaching staff spoke highly of his performance throughout spring practice and he is a player that they were quite impressed with. Allen is part of the young linebacker group and still has a lot to learn but so far the coaches have noted that he is adjusting and developing well.