Elite 2020 LB Sergio Allen Commits to Clemson

On Thursday Clemson’s 2020 recruiting class added its 2nd commitment in Peach State Linebacker Sergio Allen. The talented Linebacker prospect announced his decision during what was likely his 6th or 7th visit to the school since he began his recruitment.

Allen was someone Brent Venables got on early, and has consistently been told that he was Clemson’s top target at the position. Owning committable offers from Alabama, UGA, Auburn, and multiple other SEC schools it is obvious from the get-go that Allen possesses a ton of talent. The Georgia native is a definite top 100 player, and it’s probably not far-fetched to say he’s a top 50 overall prospect. Per 24/7 sports his composite ranking (114th), and 24/7 ranking (94th), but I expect that to rise before Allen signs his National Letter of Intent. In terms of where he compares to others at his position nationally, I’d say Allen is among the top 4 or 5 Inside Linebackers in the entire 2020 class, and possibly even top 3.

When you turn on the tape you see an aggressive, long, seriously athletic Linebacker. This athleticism immediately pops out, allowing Sergio to accelerate and change direction with relative ease. At 6’2 220 pounds, he possesses a nose for the ball and hits the gap hard. Allen shows plenty of versatility on tape as well, putting his hand in the dirt to rush the passer, while also showing the ability to drop back and cover effectively. He has a great ability to fight off and read blocks before using a solid base to make tackles. Another aspect of Allen’s game that stands out is how quickly he explodes from his stance once the ball is snapped. This initial quickness coupled with the ability to sift through blocks add up to a deadly blitzer.

While Allen shows strong on-field attributes already, he still hasn’t tapped into his full potential. Already at 6’2, Sergio is not necessarily done growing, and still has plenty of room on his frame left to fill out. While his athleticism is arguably his biggest asset, it is an asset he has not completely harnessed either; occasionally running himself out of the play because he got to where he needed to be too quickly (the good type of problem). These tools should certainly have Brent Venables salivating, as he will have yet another toy to play with. Clemson is currently recruiting him as an inside Linebacker, but due to his blitzing ability, and lateral quickness expect him to rep at both the MIKE and WILL spots.

Sergio Allen was scheduled to visit Alabama this weekend, but as you could probably guess that visit will no longer occur. With this commitment Clemson continues to jumpstart a 2020 class that in all likelihood will be one of the best classes in the country. With a 5-star, and top 100 prospect both already in tow, the Tigers could not ask for a much better start to next year’s class so early in the game.