IU Hoping Family Ties Pays Off In Pursuit of Thomas Allen

Thomas Allen and his father, IU defensive coordinator Tom Allen share a moment on the field. Image: Twitter.com

Written By Alex Compton 

So far during his time at Indiana University, new defensive coordinator Tom Allen has emphasized his desire to build a family atmosphere among the defenders. Allen takes pride in being a family man, and IU is now hoping that his own family ties pay off in the form of another member of the 2017 class. His son, Thomas Allen, has received an IU offer in February, and members of IU’s coaching staff are now hoping to see him in the Cream and Crimson come next fall. 

Checking in at 6’3” and 235 lbs, the two-star linebacker certainly fits the mold of a Big Ten linebacker. With deceptive speed and strength, Allen certainly possesses the tools that turn recruits into players at the next level. A resident of Tampa, Florida, Allen frequently competes in local camps against top competition, and his performance at these events has resulted in more attention from coaches across the country. The offers are beginning to pile up for Allen, as he now has 5 total, in addition to strong interest from Boston College, Miami (OH), and Wake Forest. 

At this point in time, the Hoosiers certainly sticks out to Allen in terms of what they can offer him. 

“[IU is] a program that is on the rise, that competes in one of the best conferences in America. I would be very excited to play mike linebacker in a 4-2-5 defense. The mike has to make all the calls and checks in that system and I believe that is one of my strengths.”

This recruitment is particularly interesting, because of the fact that Allen would have the chance to play for his father on the defensive side of the ball. While it is not the only thing he has to consider, the possibility of this is definitely something that he is keeping in the front of his mind. 

“As a son I am very excited for my dad to return to our home state and to be a defensive coordinator in the Big Ten. I have had the opportunity to be around a lot of coaches and not many of them treat their players like he does. I love the energy, intensity, and passion he brings every day, and I believe that will motivate me as a player.”
 
At this point in time, Allen is still in the process of receiving offers and taking visits. While there is no specific timetable in place, he did express a desire to wrap up his recruitment before the beginning of his senior season. Allen works very hard, and is excited to finish this process up and achieve his ultimate goal of playing division one football.

“My goal is to play at the highest level of college football. I look forward to having the opportunity to take advantage of the resources at the D1 level that will allow me to develop physically and mentally to my fullest potential.”

Where he ends up at this point is still uncertain, but for the Indiana staff, they are hoping that family really does matter in this case. 

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