Meet the Spartan: Red Devils' Allen commits

Updated: March 23, 2011 12:34PM

Never mind the heat the humidity of the high school football preseason.

Hinsdale Central senior center/nose tackle Jack Allen was feeling the heat in a different way Thursday afternoon as he verbally committed to play for Michigan State and contacted the other schools he considered.

"When I was getting ready to make the calls, I was sweating and dripping like (after practice). I drank a whole bottle of water when I was talking to one of the schools," Allen said. "I think it was probably one of the best days, but one of the worst days."

The 6-foot-2, 275-pound Allen is a third-year starter for the Red Devils who is projected to play center at Michigan State. Allen finally chose between the Spartans and Iowa and also seriously considered Wisconsin.

"I have a pretty good relationship with (Michigan State offensive line coach Dan Roushar), and the head coach (Mark Dantonio) and all of the players are great guys. That was a big factor. It just felt right to go there."

A team captain, Allen again will play on both lines this season. He and senior running back/linebacker Jake Knowles are the only remaining starters from the 2008 team that finished second in Class 8A to Maine South.

The Red Devils open the season at home against defending Class 7A state champion Wheaton Warrenville South.

Allen also was recruited for wrestling. He was second at 285 pounds at the Class 3A individual state meet in February.

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