Interview: Rising 2021 Louisiana Skill Athlete Jabez Allen has Speed to Burn

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Senior seasons were designed for players like Jabez Allen. The White Castle High School skill player was a two-way impact player during the 2019 season at receiver and in the secondary playing safety and nickel. The junior campaign ended with 10 receptions for 210 yards with a score and 55 kick return yards off two attempts. On defense, the 5-8, 160-pound, defensive back put an end to 14 plays, nine solo, with a pass broken up. All the skills aided by top end speed for Allen are coming together at the right time readying for a showcase season against Louisiana squads. As Allen takes the field for the 2020 season, he has teams like Memphis and Louisiana-Lafayette along with D-II and D-III are watching his progress.

In an RNG first-look, Allen stepped inside the RNG Lab covering his play on the field and offseason grind preparing for an all out senior season.

Interview

Jabez, your speed and athleticism are difference makers on the field for the Bulldogs. Do you play other sports other than football that has helped you improve that speed and athletic talent?

Yes, track and basketball.

Which track events do you run?

The 100 and 200 and the relays 4×1 and 4×2.

With your speed, how fast are you? What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?

Last time I ran a laser, I ran a 4.39. I believe I am in the 4.2 now. I was not used to the laser, it starts as soon as your hand moves.

Where did you run that laser timed 4.39?

At a camp, might have been a Rivals camp.

Impressive. What were some of the routes you were running on offense last season?

Corners, slants, whips, out routes, seams, and curls.

In addition to your speed, your athleticism shows on offense skying to pull down passes. Once the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were some of the other strengths to your game on offense?

My speed and being able to create separation.

Going the other way, what defensive coverages were you guys running a year ago and where all were you lining up in the secondary?

I played mostly man, and we did some zone. I was at nickelback last season. They started me at safety but moved to nickel.

How did your game improve as a defensive back last season?

Last season I became more explosive, my physicality improved because I got bigger, I have great hips, and my motor is very good.

When the 2020 season gets going, where will we see you on the field?

Playing receiver, running back, corner, safety and kick and punt returner.

What have you been working on the most with your game this offseason?

I have been working on my release moves, catching, and catching through traffic. At running back, I’ve been working on my cuts, jump cuts, and vision. At corner, I have been working on my backpedals, attacking the ball, and reading offenses.

How is fall camp going for the Bulldogs? Have you guys got going yet?

Yes, we’ve started. We went to shoulder pads on Thursday and we’ve been in helmets all week.

Silly question, but how does it feel to be back on the field getting after it?

It feels great. I have been getting a lot of work in, but, honestly, I am already in shape.

When does the season start in Louisiana?

October 8, they pushed it back to then.

Once you guys kickoff the 2020 season, what goals have you set for yourself?

I want to lead in the receivers in yards, pick up some offers, and win a state championship because we fell short last year.

Jabez, thanks for your time today and good luck to you and the team preparing for the upcoming season.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Allen family; Jabez Allen

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