Arkansas hasn’t extended a scholarship offer yet but junior offensive lineman Pat Allen is very interested in Arkansas because of ties to the state.
Allen, 6-5, 275, 5.0 of Reisterstown, (Md.) Franklin reports eight scholarship offers, including Florida State, Southern Cal, Rutgers, and Tennessee. In addition to the Hogs, Southern Cal and Notre Dame are also high on his list. Video highlights click here
“Besides Arkansas, I have two other huge looks I’m looking at," said Allen, who's being recruited by graduate assistant Eric Mateos. "Arkansas is one of the contenders. I have the opportunity to play for but at the same time with the other two schools. I’m looking at is the environment. It’s all about the environment to me. So if I feel like Arkansas is the area where i can grow that will be the reason I go there.”
His father is originally from Arkansas and still has family in the state.
“I’ve been there a couple of time for my dad’s family reunion and it feels like a home type feeling,” Allen said.
Allen lived in Missouri until he moved to Maryland in 2010.
“My grandma raised him there,” said Allen of his father being raised in Arkansas. “My dad is one of thirteen. I’m from Missouri and I know Arkansas isn’t too far away. I know what it’s like to be from that midwest area.”
Allen, who reports a 295 pound bench press and a 405 squat, said he has an aunt and an older cousin in Arkansas.
He enjoys music and plays the sax and drums but prefers the piano.
“When I was little during church I use to watch my teacher play all the time and he taught me how to play,” said Allen of the piano. “I play piano at my school so I’m starting to get back into playing.”
A good showing this season will likely see him earning an offer from the Hogs.
“I think if I have a good season, I’ll most likely get an offer from Arkansas,” Allen said.