Physically imposing and mentally aware; angry as a run blocker and nasty in pass protection. Cole Allen is the quarterback’s best friend, and any defensive linemen’s worst nightmare
Allen has the traditional left tackle build. He weighs in at 6’6, 265 pounds, with quick feet and heavy hands that crush pass rushers. Not only does Allen have the size teams will love, he also has the intelligence programs will want from a blindside blocker. His 3.97 GPA has gotten him noticed by several Ivy League schools, in total his offers are: Duke, Colorado State, Memphis, Arkansas State, Tulsa, Troy, LA Tech, Miami (OH), Yale and Dartmouth.
Allen is a complete player. He has a high floor and an even higher ceiling. Allen has the athleticism to be mobile on screen passes, and travel down field with the ball-carrier to create more open lanes. He gets into the second level with ease, understanding his assignment and sealing off defenders, as well as the short area speed to seal off speed rushers and slide without wasted motion. He displays patience when in pass protection, ensuring his aggression isn’t turned into over-aggression.
His technique is well polished. He applies a tremendous amount of force at the point of contact, changing the defender’s base. Allen’s also good at not drawing flags, and while he is smart enough to anticipate a pass rusher’s moves, he doesn’t rely on that information alone- which prevents him from missing a rusher and causing a sack. He’s excellent at the “snatch-and-trap” technique, where he essentially makes the defender lose balance, and reroutes them into the turf. His awareness, wide base and heavy hands are what partially allow him to perform this so well.
However, arguably his best game is his run blocking. He drives through his first step, wrecking the defensive linemen. Nasty, mean, angry, whatever word you’d prefer, Allen is violent when blocking. His combination of violence and technique allows him to turn the rushers momentum against them, then use it to thrust them into the turf. He’ll furiously follow the assault by crushing the defender, earning a pancake block.
Allen has a wide base and long length, which allows him to thrive against double teams, regardless of him being in a pass or run set. When lined up on a passing play, his heavy hands can dismantle stunts, tossing the first defender before sliding back to face the next. In the run game, he can demolish the defensive linemen, lead block like a wrecking ball, paving the way for the ball-carrier, then seal off the right or left side of the lane, depending on the defender’s angle.
His Hudl film is play after play of Allen dominating the line of scrimmage. His play at 1:36 is the best representation of this. Jackson Prep was on its own 5-yard line, in a jumbo set with a tight-end at the end of the left side. They had three back’s with the quarterback directly under center. As the play started, Allen drove the defensive linemen completely out of the play. In one fluid motion, he switched off the defensive linemen, to the linebacker driving him through the top of the second level. The play resulted in seven yards for Jackson Prep. While it might not have been a big play, ask any coach. In most situations, they’ll love to routinely get seven yards.
Allen is a multi-sport athlete, playing football, basketball and throwing the discus. He uses calculated violence to dismantle defensive lines, preventing sacks and negative plays. His intelligence is going to get him noticed, his size will make him wanted as a blindside blocker and his performance on the field will earn him even more offers. Allen is a member of the 2025 class; his senior season will be must watch film for every major college program.
Below is a QnA between Allen and myself:
What are your biggest accomplishments?
“I’ve been able to be a part of a State Championship team for Jackson Prep football, Jackson Prep basketball, and individually, a Discus State Championship. This past summer, I went to a lot of football camps to get in front of coaches – it was a lot of work but it resulted in me receiving my first football offer.”
What player do you compare yourself to and why?
“I try not to compare myself to people, but what I admire the most out of other players is their work ethic and how they overcome obstacles. The player I watch the most is Will Campbell because I like the way he plays.”
What are your plans once you’re done with football and why?
“Depending on how college goes, I either plan on going to the NFL or majoring in Accounting or Chemical Engineering.”
What is your GPA?
“My GPA is a 3.97.”
What do you like about the sport of football and how is it significant to you?
“I like the sport of football because it’s all about teamwork and trusting one another. Without teamwork and trust you can’t have a successful football team. It’s significant to me because I believe learning how to work well with others and trusting other people will help you go far in life and build good relationships. Being a football player has allowed me to make many great friendships and I’m grateful for that.”
Do you have any offers, if so where?
“I have ten offers: Duke, Colorado State, Memphis, Arkansas State, Tulsa, Troy, Louisiana Tech, Miami University, Yale, and Dartmouth.”
Do you play any other sports, if so which ones?
“I play basketball and throw the discus as well.”
What is an interesting fact about you outside of football? What are your stats throughout your football career?
“I have a twin brother and I’m a part of the National Honors Society and Mu Alpha Theta. I was First Team MAIS All Conference 6A and First Team MAIS All State this year as a Junior. I also played in the MAIS Football Futures game.”
What is your 40 speed, Broad, Vert, Shuttle, ETC
“40- 5.1; Broad- 8 ft; Vert- 27; Shuttle- 4.9”
What is your dream school to play for in college?
“It would be a huge honor to play at any Division 1 College.”
What are your current football goals?
“My current football goals are to move up to the next level and start on the Offensive Line.”
What’s something you’re working to improve?
“I’m working on improving my strength and my pass pro.”
What is a strength you have in the game?
“I would say my two best strengths are my length and my quickness.”
What’s your favorite activity outside of football?
“My favorite activity outside of football is basketball because it’s competitive and helps me with my foot work.”
What’s something football taught you?
“Football has taught me how to work as a team and how to be a better person on and off the field. I learn life lessons everyday from my coaches and everyone who helps me.”
