Interview: Harding University Nabs Speedy 2018 Tennessee ATH Dre McAllister

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Simply put, Keiondre “Dre” McAllister is that player that can do just about anything wanted by a coach on the field at any of the skill positions. During his high school days with South Gibson, he was an elite running back exploiting opposing defenses but made the jump to skilled defensive back during his senior year giving college coaches options at the next level. After earning All-State, All-West Tennessee, and first team All-Region honors during his senior year, on Sunday, Jan. 28, McAllister (5-10, 170) ended his recruiting process with a verbal commitment to Harding University.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with McAllister after his commitment to find out how the Bison became his next level fit.

*Click link to read RNG’s Jan. 21, 2018, recruiting interview with Dre McAllister

Interview

Dre, congratulations on your commitment to Harding.

“Thank you.”

What influenced you to commit when you did?

“I went to church to pray on it. It was in my heart to commit today (Sunday), so I made the big decision to commit.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I let my position coach know, Coach (Matt) Underwood (slotbacks). I called my mom and brother, and my father to let them know I was making this big decision. They are supportive of me and my decision to commit to Harding.”

What swung you towards Harding during the recruiting process?

“I’ve been talking to them for a while. They have been showing interest in me for a long time, and they have been consistent with me. They see the potential in me that most universities overlooked because of my size.”

When you committed to Coach Underwood, what was his reaction?

“He was ecstatic. He was very-very happy. I guess they thought they were going to lose me to a bigger university.”

This is such a big moment in time, how did you feel before you verbally committed?

“I was nervous, very nervous. But, this is a decision I needed to make. I’ve been weighing out my options… I cannot put into words how I feel right now about my commitment – a lot of mixed but happy emotions.”

Is there a sense of relief, that to some extent, your recruiting process is over?

“Yes! I feel a great relief. This has been a rollercoaster ride. So many schools coming in and leaving, back and forth. I prayed throughout the process and stayed patient. Funny, my school was in plain sight the whole time.”

Let’s backtrack to your official visit to Harding last week. It went well, but what all did you do?

“I toured the campus, met the coaches, and saw the facilities. I was able to talk to the coaches one-on-one. They genuinely want to see you succeed. They put Christ first, which I really like. They want me to be the best man I can be. They sold the whole university to me.

“They are growing a lot too. They made it to the D-II semifinals last year. They played on ESPN and they have a lot of people buying into their future. They are getting an indoor facility that is like Clemson’s. Only two D-II schools have in-door facilities. It should be done in December. That was a big selling point for me as well.”

Was there a moment while you were on campus when you started having that feeling this was the place for you?

“Yeah. I felt wanted. There were different D-I schools that wanted me to walk-on because I have the grades for an academic scholarship. But, Harding – they want me as a player on their team. They want to see me succeed. They are seeing beyond football. At Harding, it is football and preparing you for after college. Harding does a great job of getting young men ready for the real world.”

When you met with the coaches during your official, did they say how are they going to use you within their system?

“When I met with the offensive and defensive coordinators, they said they have been arguing where to put me. They are looking at me as a defensive back or as a slot. We will see what happens when camp comes around this summer.”

Are you going to help recruit players to join you in the 2018 class?

“Oh yeah. I will give my last-minute effort to help recruit some players. I will give some recruiting pitches to some players. I think my word will carry a little more weight with some of the Tennessee guys. There are different guys they are recruiting that I have played against – they know me. That will help when I talk to them about Harding University.”

Dre, thanks for your time today, and, again, congratulations on your commitment to Harding.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credits: McAllister family; Dre McAllister at Harding