Illinois Football: Illini eyeing 2022 defensive end Brian Allen Jr.

Illinois football is trying to get into the mix for a rising in-state defensive talent.

I posted the early top priorities for the Illini class of 2022 on Thursday. These are five players I want to see Lovie Smith and the Illinois coaching staff put resources into for the upcoming recruiting class. But this list is always being shaped. A player who could eventually land on the top priority list is Brian Allen.

Allen, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound defensive end, hails from Woodstock, Illinois and currently wreaks havoc on the end of the Marian Central Catholic High School defensive line. Since the full ratings and rankings are not out yet for 247Sports, the talented pass rusher hasn’t been evaluated.

Despite having no evaluation by 247Sports, teams across the country are starting to take notice of Allen. Just in the last few days, Iowa State and Toledo have both came in with an offer, and there have been multiple teams who are eyeing the kid.

Illinois is one of the teams that is in contact with Allen, according to Allen Trieu of 247Sports.

It doesn’t come as a surprising Illinois is looking to get involved with Allen’s recruitment. This kid has a lot of positives about his game.

Allen uses his 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame to muscle through the offensive line. He has the ability to get to the ball carrier with relative ease. When he gets to the ball carrier, his tackling is also a great asset. Allen has the ability to wrap up and drive the ball carrier down.

I want to add that I also love Allen’s awareness of the ball. He can read the quarterback when the passer drops back. This will enable him to swat balls down to the ground.

The final note about Allen is his hustle. He doesn’t have the best speed in the world just yet, but this kid gives it his all on every play. Allen hustles around the field and that effort produces results.

I fully expect Illinois to come in with a scholarship offer for Allen shortly. He is someone who could help the Orange and Blue win games in the future and would be a great addition to the class of 2022.