Interview: The Race to Catch 2018 Tennessee RB Keiondre McAllister is On

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The buildup over the past three seasons is hitting a zenith on South Gibson’s gridiron. The Medina area squad has cultivated Keiondre “Dre” McAllister into an elite running back and all-around athlete waiting until his senior year to make him a true two-way star.

As a sophomore, McAllister was playing catch-up on the field transferring to South Gibson High School from Spring Hill two days before Game 1 of the 2015 season. Undaunted, McAllister jumped into the action rushing for 615 yards with 10 trips to the end zone. During the 2016 season, the Hornets were able to fully unleash McAllister out of the backfield seeing him rack up 1,170 yards off 96 carries with 13 scores. He also pulled in three passes for 47 yards returning kicks when the opposition went his way.

The Hornets finished the 2016 season 8-4 with high expectations entering the 2017 season. Much of the anticipation centered upon McAllister – and he is not disappointing. The 5-10, 170 pound, streak of lightening has amassed 518 yards off just 45 carries with seven rushing scores. Further filling in the all-purpose role, he has snagged five passes for 78 yards with another touchdown posted on the board. The 11.5 yard per carry average is impressive but his nine tackles, two blocked kicks, and pick-six from his corner position lends even more creditability to his amazing athletic abilities.

If recruiting rankings were given for overlooked talents, McAllister’s status as an under the radar prospect would easily net him five-star status. So far, Harding and Texas-San Antonio have extended offers with reported interest from Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee State, Massachusetts, Duke, and Louisville, among others. McAllister’s talents on the field standout making him a next level recruit, and his hard work in the classroom should make him a magnet for teams needing a playmaker at running back, in the slot, on special teams, and even at corner. The Tennessee product proudly carries a 3.8 GPA and scored a 22 on the ACT. Showing his competitiveness, next month he is taking the ACT again aiming for a 27 or 28.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I might be the only person to hold McAllister in one place while awake getting an overview on his senior season thus far with an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Dre, how has the season started for you and the Hornets?

“It has started out pretty good. We are taking it week by week. The first part of the season we had a tough schedule. We are building off that.”

How about for you? How has the first part of the season gone for you personally?

“I think I have started off strong. I am showing more of my abilities this year on defense as a defensive back. I am showing I am a two-way player. I’m making a lot of plays on both sides of the ball. Each week I am trying to get better. I am getting more involved in the offense as a receiver as well.”

Where all on the field are you lining up this season?

“I am playing running back, receiver, corner, and kick and punt returner.”

At running back, how has your game improved from last year to this year?

“My mental toughness has improved a lot. I don’t get tired late in games. I keep pushing through. I have a high motor and I keep rolling.”

How is your game coming along as a cornerback?

“My breaks are getting better. I am opening up my hips more, running downhill hard, and making plays on balls. I am coming downhill making big hits this season.”

The team has started off 4-1, of the five games which has been your best game?

“I’d say the Bolivar Central game (won 28-19). That was our first regional game. They were No. 2 or No. 3 in the state when we played them. We were nonstop against them. I had two rushing touchdowns and a pick-six to close it out.”

That definitely qualifies as a great game. Which schools are showing recruiting interest put have not offered yet?

“Stanford, Memphis, MTSU (Middle Tennessee State), East Carolina, Louisville, and Ohio.”

Have any of the schools stated what they are looking for from you before extending an offer?

“They wanted to see how I performed during my senior year. It is my understanding that I have performed up to expectations.”

Have you taken any unofficial or official visits this fall?

“No, not yet. I plan on taking a lot of them next month. I’m not sure where all I will go yet, but I am lining them up now. I may take one to Memphis and to MTSU.”

What goals do you have for the last five games of the season?

“My main goal is within me. I want to stay focused and achieve what we want, and that is to make a deep run into the playoffs. I want us to improve every week, same for myself. I want us to be better than the week prior.”

Understanding that you are excited to play all the games left on the schedule, but is there one game you are a little more excited to play over the others?

“Milan (Oct. 27). That is a big game with great competition. That is a rivalry game. Both teams play hard and take the field with confidence.”

Dre, thanks for your time today and good luck against Middle College on Friday night.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Mikey Smith; Dre McAllister in action.