Allen de-commits from Texas

Allen

Aledo Bearcats junior defensive back Jaden Allen has de-committed from the University of Texas Longhorns football team, he confirmed Monday.

Allen, a third-team all-state selection by the Texas Sports Writers Association, had committed to the Longhorns more than a year ago following his sophomore season. He is the younger brother of 2022 UT signee Bryan Allen Jr. and is considered a four-star recruit and one of the top high school defensive backs in the nation.

“I just wasn’t 100% sure,’ Allen said of his de-commitment, adding that he hasn’t ruled out still playing for the Longhorns. “I’m still considering going there.”

The 5-foot, 9-inch, 150-pounder posted 41 tackles this past season, including 34 solo. He also had three interceptions in helping the Bearcats to their 11th state championship in team history, defeating College Station 52-14 in December at AT&T Stadium for the 5A Division I title.

Allen’s de-commitment brings back into play a host of other schools that are waiting with offers of their own. They include perennial power Alabama, along with LSU, USC, Mississippi State, Michigan State, and others.

Already at Alabama from Aledo is former Aledo standout running back Jase McClellan.

When asked what he is looking for mostly in whatever school he chooses, Allen said, “I just want a good connection with the coaches and for them to want me as much as I want to be there.”

Allen has been a key part of the varsity program ever since he was a freshman. In 2020 he won a 5A Division II state title alongside his brother in a 56-21 finals victory against Crosby.