By Michael McAllister
When Zach Allen committed to Syracuse, not many people knew what type of player he was. On most recruiting services, he was rated as a below average quarterback prospect. Then, they saw his tape and were in awe of his skill set. Allen has moved up the recruiting ranking, and is developing a reputation as a big time quarterback prospect. Recently, Allen was praised by ESPN analyst and former Super Bowl quarterback Trent Dilfer, as well as current Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Allen was humbled to receive praise from such prominent sports figures. Said Allen, "When I heard that all I could do was smile. It was so neat hearing from Trent Dilfer and Tony Romo. Two quarterbacks that know what they're doing and have had so much success in their careers. To say something like that about a high school kid is very neat. That's really the only word I can describe it as."
Allen was also received an invite to the Elite 11 quarterback camp. The camp is for the elite quarterback prospects in the class of 2013. Said Allen on his invitation, "It's a huge honor and a huge privilege to be able to represent Temple, Texas and Syracuse University."
One of the concerns for Syracuse fans is as Allen continues to gain momentum in recruiting circles is another program trying to poach the talented Texan from the Orange. Allen says, not to worry. "I might be honored if other big time schools came and offered me. But I'd have to tell them that I'm 100% happy with my decision at Syracuse University. I appreciate you thinking I'm good enough to play at the college level, but I gave my commitment to Syracuse University and they gave their commitment to me. I'm very happy where I am."
Allen is an extremely humble, bright young man who seems to have a mature perspective beyond his years. When discussing his goals for his Syracuse career, Allen said, "As a high school quarterback going into any college program you're looking to play. Whether that happens or not, I mean I want what's best for Syracuse University. I feel like I'm going to go in there and compete every day to try to earn a starting spot. I know there are some other really good quarterbacks ahead of me and another good quarterback coming in with me. It's just going to be a lot of fun competing every day against those guys. I'm really excited about the next four to five years of my life. I feel like I can have a good career, especially with what Syracuse is now doing with their offense. They have an unbelievable coaching staff. I've been talking to a lot of players and I feel I can get a really good recruiting class out there. The sky is the limit if we get a good recruiting class."
While he wouldn't name any players specifically, Allen outlined the recruiting work he's been doing on behalf of the Orange. "I've talked to pretty much all the receivers, linemen, and running backs that have been offered by Syracuse. I don't want to name any names because I told the guys I wouldn't. There are a couple linemen who didn't have any likings to Syracuse University. I really talked to them, and they're taking a visit now sometime in the summer. About five of us are getting a group together and heading there in the summer sometime. There's a lot of running backs that I've talked to that were the same way. They had Syracuse on their list but not as high as I was hoping. I talked to them about it and after good conversations they're taking visits up there. Now they're Syracuse is number one or two on their list. I feel like I've done a good job so far at it, but I've got to keep it going and get as many people there as I can."
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