Update: Patrick Allen committed to Georgia late Monday night. Michael Stern spoke to him on Monday before his committment. The decision was made to publish the full profile with no edits despite Allen’s commitment.

Here is Patrick Allen: Ready to work

Patrick Allen is all about working to improve. The drive to become a better football player is always there for the offensive tackle.

Whether it is working on his technique in the offseason, working on being leaner, working towards a championship, or now working towards his college decision, Allen knows that hard work pays off.

The Reisterstown, Maryland resident has narrowed down his list of schools from around thirty to five. His list now includes Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

Five schools from different parts of the country, but what Allen sees are five places to improve and become a better football player.

So far, Allen has only been able to visit Tennessee and Georgia, but he likes what he sees.

“Tennessee was great. It reminded me of my team, the way we play. Tennessee plays in a spread type offense, and that’s the same thing that my team does. I’m just comfortable being there. The academics are really good also,” Allen said in a phone interview earlier today.

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When he visited Georgia, the coaching staff talked to him all about the type of work he would have to do if he chose the Bulldogs. He knows he isn’t going to be guaranteed a playing spot, or anything for that manner.

“They’re not guaranteeing me anything, that’s what I like,” Allen said. “They’re telling me that the only thing I need to come in and do is work. I need to earn my spot.”

It’s the straight forward pitch that Georgia threw his way that the rising senior likes most. He doesn’t want to be lied to or have anything sugarcoated because he is ready to put in the hours on the practice field needed to succeed.

“They told me straight up that if you want to play here you’re going to have to work. You need to earn your spot,” Allen said.

With something to prove, Banning pushing forward

The lineman moved to Maryland in 2010. Originally he is from Missouri, which is why he says Oklahoma is towards the top of his list; he is comfortable with the area.

Allen is working in the offseason towards being more “college ready.” This means he needs to improve on his technique and conditioning.

“My coach wants me to be relentless, and that’s what I’ve been striving to do this summer. I’m working a lot on my footwork and becoming leaner,” Allen said.

Schools aren’t looking to change his playing style because it’s very versatile. Allen says he can play any position on the line if he is called upon to do so, but schools are telling him he will stay at tackle.

His body quickness and footwork is what attracted schools to him in the first place. Allen says changing his position would take away from his already established skills.

Tyrone Taylor: Taking a different route to success

Patrick Allen is ready to put in the work to earn his starting spot in college for many reasons, not the least of which is how much football means to him.

“Football to me means opportunity and a better chance at life. It’s love and respect and dedication to do something unique,” Allen said.

That dedication is evident in Allen’s game. That love is what will carry him towards his goals for this season. That respect for the game is what will make Allen a star in college.

–Michael Stern

@MSternTLB