Louisiana State University has long laid claim to the Defensive Back University (DBU) title, but Ed Orgeron's program might as well take the crown as college football's Every Position University. Last year alone, the LSU Tigers featured the best quarterback in the nation, the top receiving corps as well as an always-ballhawking defensive unit.
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Shutdown cornerbacks and stealthy safeties have established a tradition in the Bayou, however. Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu and Jamal Adams left their mark in Baton Rouge and are now high-impact NFL players. The wave of defensive talent over the years has been endless.
Why wouldn't a top-flight defensive back recruit want to don the purple and gold? That's what Bryan Allen Jr., the No. 2 safety in the 2022 class, is thinking.
S Bryan Allen Jr. Commits to LSU
BREAKING: The #2 Safety in the Nation, Bryan Allen Jr. has Just Committed to #LSU !
The Class of 2022 prospect is ranked #52 Nationally, #2 at the Safety Position, and is the #5 player in Texas.
Huge Pickup for Coach O and the Tigers!
Tiger fans welcome him home! pic.twitter.com/j94V2QxC0X
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 9, 2020
I decided to commit to Louisiana State University 💜🐯 !! LSU #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/BqZ4Idbiy1
— Bryan Allen Jr (@BJThaKid04) April 9, 2020
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Four-star safety Bryan Allen Jr. committed to LSU in April 2020, adding more firepower to LSU's future recruiting classes. Orgeron clearly doesn't plan on easing up on the rest of the SEC.
The 6-foot, 183-pound Allen has terrorized quarterbacks and receivers at Aledo High School in Aledo, Texas. He's received offers from 17 schools, including Florida, Texas A&M, Penn State, Arkansas, Baylor, Houston, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, TCU, USC and Utah, but seems intent on playing his NCAA ball in the SEC.
There's a reason LSU fans should be excited for Allen to make his way to Baton Rouge. Rated the No. 2 safety in the country and 52nd overall recruit in the 2022 class by 247Sports, Allen has the ceiling of a future first-round NFL draft pick.
LSU has made the cut for top recruits like 2021 four-star safety Kaine Williams, four-star defensive end Bryce Langston and No. 1 quarterback Caleb Williams. Allen adds to what is already LSU's nice crop of 2022 commitments in stud cornerback Khamauri Rogers, four-star safety Bryce Anderson and three-star wide receiver Decoldest Crawford.
Bryan Allen Jr. Highlights
🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/XusjKPvMdM
— Bryan Allen Jr (@BJThaKid04) December 10, 2019
Bryan Allen is still young, so don't read too much into what he's done in two high school seasons. We can still gawk over the numbers he put up as a sophomore: 122 tackles, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 16 games (according to MaxPreps).
In 2019, he helped Aledo to a 15-1 record and a second straight state championship, proving he has the winner mentality LSU should be seeking out. He also runs track for Aledo High School.
According to 247Sports' scouting report, Allen projects as a second- or third-rounder:
"Closes fast downhill and is willing participant vs.the run. Flashes impressive pursuit ability to the perimeter. Solid tackler who takes good angles. Arrives with purpose and provides the occasional big hit. Displays promising recovery speed. Natural center fielder in coverage. Disruptive at the catch point."
Sheesh, what's not to love about this kid?
This article was originally published April 29, 2020.
