Florida Gators quarterback commit Jake Allen (6-3, 205, Fort Lauderdale, FL St. Thomas Aquinas) had a big showing this past weekend at the Opening Miami regional.
Allen was the top quarterback at the event and at the end of the day walked away with an invite to the Elite 11 semifinals in California this summer, an honor he was excited about.
“It was really, really special to get that Elite 11 invite because I’ve been working forever for this,” Allen said. “I can remember my quarterback coach Eric Kresser he got me into the NFTC camp my freshman year and I was just happy to be there and now to be able to actually compete is cool. It was special to me to be able to accomplish that.”
The quarterback has been committed to Florida since last summer and that has taken away some of the attention he receives, but he believes he proved his talent on Sunday.
“I definitely carry a chip on my shoulder regardless because there are always people talking, so I use that to my advantage,” he said if this was special to get national attention. “I just go out every time thinking about the people that doubt me, but this definitely puts me on the national stage now.”
Florida knew what kind of quarterback they had in Allen when offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier worked him out this summer and the Gators coach was happy for his quarterback commit.
“I talk to Coach Nuss on Sunday right after the camp, it went good,” Allen said. “He told me he was proud of me and that he wasn’t surprised by it. He was just happy for me and happy that it finally happened. I talk to those guys about every day so there is nothing to worry about on that side. I’m still happy as ever.”
The Florida Gators have nothing to worry about with Allen’s commitment and now the quarterback is working to help the Gators land a top recruiting class.
“Right now I’m definitely going after Tre [Trevon Grimes] every day,” he said. “I have him in math class and every day I’m just in Tre’s ear about Florida. Once I get out there this summer to the Opening I’m going to start recruiting some of the top players in the country. I’m in everyone’s ear that I think is capable of playing in the SEC for Florida.”
Allen is an outspoken recruiter for Florida his message is very simple when he’s talking to other prospects about the Gators.
“I just tell them to lets starting something in the state of Florida that’s special,” Allen said of his message to prospects. “I tell guys that the Georgia and Alabama guys are teaming up because they want to play for their SEC team so we have to stick together and represent for the state of Florida. Just telling them about Coach McElwain and the atmosphere up there.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Allen is a leader and is someone that represents Florida and the coaching staff well. The quarterback is doing his best to land some top receivers and prospects in this class.