Allen earns starting spot in Semper Fi

Fayetteville quarterback Austin Allen was named Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior.

Being picked to play in the Semper Fidelous All American Bowl in Carson, California was a big accomplishment for Fayetteville quarterback Austin Allen. But to named the starter for the East team shortly before kickoff was even bigger and a confidence booster.

"Going through walk through he told me to get the first reps," Allen said. 'So I was excited."

Allen, 6-2, 210, 4.7 seconds in the 40 yard dash, completed 4 of 8 passes for 57 yards, including the 42 yarder in the East's first play from scrimmage.

"The first play of the game was a deep post ball ," Allen said. "I liked it. It was a good way to start off the game. It was fun."

Allen, who's rated a 4-star recruit by national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network, was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All Arkansas team after completing 233 of 366 passes for 3,593 yards and 29 touchdowns.

"It felt good off the hand," said Allen of the 42 yard post route completion. "I was just hoping the cornerback couldn't come underneath and get it. The wide receiver we had was 6-3 and he went up and got it. Hats off to him."

A week of practice and playing in Friday's game against top caliber competition helped prepare Allen for the next level.

"This gets me ready for college football right here," said Allen, who lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back Class 7A state titles. "Every player here is going big-time D-1. The speed on the offense and the defense was eye opening really. It's just been getting to know all these guys and all their backgrounds. It was a good week."

After playing in his last high school game, Allen is excited about the next chapter in his football career.

"It's an exciting time in my life," Allen said. "I'm ready for it. I've been dreaming about coming to Arkansas since I was about two years old. It's exciting and I'm ready for it."