Usually in life, your first impression seems to be the only thing that matters. It’s how you judge, remember, and talk about every experience you have in life. It can be unbelievably difficult to shake a bad first impression. Luckily for football, Colton Allen was able to look past his terrible first impression of playing the game, and he’s found his new passion because of it.
Three seasons ago, Colton tried football for the first time at the Junior High level. He was in the 6th grade, barely cracking 5 feet or hitting triple digits on the scale, and joining a dream team at the private school he went to. It was miserable – he never got a chance to experience what football could truly feel like. He never got on the field, and he felt like an afterthought on the team, without even getting a chance on the 2nd string. After that season, he abandoned the game for a full year.
Fast forward to the beginning of last season. At a new school as an 8th grader whose grown significantly, Colton got a call from one of the coaches at Crowville trying to get him to give football another chance. He took that chance and ran with it, becoming one of the leaders of his Junior High team this year.
Colton played RB and DE primarily for his team, but found the most success on the line. his combination of size and speed has made him a problem for opposing offenses. His commitment to improving his speed in particular shows the potential he can have as a speed rusher at the high school level as he continues to grow and develop. He flashed that potential at the bowl game, where he finished with 1.5 tackles. Just a couple of years ago, it seemed like he would never get the chance to enjoy what football is all about. Now, his career is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it goes.
What got you into football in the first place? What was your first experience with it?
Before this football season started, I was big on baseball. I wanted to go to the MLB. I went to a private school that was big on baseball. I decided to go from there to Crowville, and Crowville’s coach asked me to try football again after a bad experience with it in my 6th grade year at the other school. He got me to play it, and when I started playing, it was my escape from reality. It was everything I ever wanted in a sport. It’s where I fit in the most, and it’s what brings me joy.
What game that you have played stood out to you the most? What stood out about it?
One game against Delhi Charter, I knew winning was all that was on my mind. I had a fumble return touchdown, a rushing touchdown, a lot of rushing yards. I did really well and won player of the game for it.
You primarily play running back and defensive end. Which one do you enjoy more?
I liked RB, but just knowing that you can go put pads on defense and hit someone as hard as you can is something I really like. This is the only sport you can do that, so I prefer defensive end.
What were your thoughts on the bowl game?
I enjoyed it a lot. Being able to go out there and meet new people that share the same love of football with you, I just love that idea. I met so many people all across Louisiana. I found it such a fun experience, and I was glad to be able to go out there and play.
What lesson have you learned from playing football?
Whatever you do, try your hardest. Don’t ever give up. Whatever you do in life, you have to give it 100%.
What are you trying to improve in your game as you move to High School?
I want to improve on my speed and be able to tackle better. I already am a good tackler, but you can always get better at tackling.
What is your biggest strength on the football field?
I am fast. I do want to be faster, but my speed is very good.
What NFL or college players do you take inspiration from in your game?
I try to model my playing style up against Nick Bosa. We are similar, so I watch him a lot and try to put it in my game.
What teams do you root for when you watch sports?
In college I love the Texas Longhorns and hate that they lost in the playoffs. I love Quinn Ewers. I love the Miami Dolphins whenever our quarterback doesn’t have a concussion.
What is an off-field hobby or interesting fact about yourself?
I can write with my left hand. I’m not fully ambidextrous, but I can specifically write with both of my hands.
Why should fans keep their eye on you, Colton Allen, as a Rising Star in Louisiana High School Football?
I never give up and I try my hardest. It’s not about how big you are, it’s about how big your heart is, and if you have that dog in you.
*We are about to begin the 2025 Gridiron Football Season and if you are a player that wants to be a part of the 2025 Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game or the 2025 Gridiron Football Senior All-American Bowl Game, you must be at our events to be considered for the game. This will apply especially to Louisiana athletes since we have growing interest from outside the state. We are inviting top performers from our 7v7 tournaments, our elite camps, and finally, our Gridiron Football Media Day. We already have two elite camps posted below. To register, you can click any of the pictures below!
67
0
17
20
