The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
THE ALLEN FILE
Jacob Allen Perry
6-2, 225 WR/RB/S/LB/KR Allen combined for 1,099 yards of offense last year rushing and receiving, with 19 touchdowns.
“Keep in mind, too, that there were seven games where starters only played a half,” Rosati said. “He can do it all. He can run, he can catch ... We need to keep him healthy so we can turn him loose this year.”
Rosati smiles when asked if he knew the player he was going to get way back before Allen entered high school. The answer? Absolutely. “Jacob ... this whole senior class ... has been exactly what we thought they’d be,” Rosati said. “He’s fulfilled exactly what I thought he’d be.
“He’s truly a freak of nature. We’ve had some success the past couple of years (25-2) and ever since Jacob Allen stepped on the field, we’ve been pretty tough to beat. We turned into an elite program when Jacob Allen stepped onto the field.”
Allen is one of the stars on Perry’s high-scoring offense that also includes returning All-Ohioans Jaylen Anderson (running back) and Bryce Cooper (lineman), as well as Kent State recruit Zach Early (running back).
Quarterback Drew Schiano is new to the offense this year, as are a few receivers. But Allen is ready to do his part, and more.
“Coach (Mike) Crissinger helped me strengthen my knee and ankle in the offseason,” Allen said of Perry’s strength and conditioning coach. “I want to stay healthy and help this team out in any way I can.”
Down the road, Allen has his sights set on playing college football. Even with his game-changing numbers on offense, Allen said most of the colleges looking at him are doing so with the intent of playing him at linebacker or safety. He doesn’t have any offers yet, but schools from Youngstown State, Bowling Green to Michigan State have looked at him.
But first thing’s first, and Allen wants a state championship.
As a sophomore, Allen and the Pirates lost to Steubenville in the Division IV state semifinal round.
Last year, Perry fell to Steubenville in a regional final.
“I don’t want to lose,” Allen said bluntly. “That one (loss) each year — 12-1, 13-1 — it’d be better with 15-0. There’s always been that one.
“I don’t want to lose.”