Kirby Smart impressed by freshman linebacker CJ Allen

It isn’t everyday a freshman linebacker takes the field with a championship-level defense. Nonetheless, CJ Allen did just that on Saturday. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart discussed his freshman LB earlier this week.

“It’s hard to play a freshman linebacker in our defense,” Smart said. “[CJ Allen] and Raylen [Wilson], being here in the spring, have really grown and been able to do it. Raylen probably would’ve been in the same boat as him if it hadn’t been for his knee.

“CJ picks things up and is very smart and intelligent. He’s conscientious and wants to do things right. He has a chance to be a good player and we’ve got a pool of inside linebackers right there around him.”

Allen looked like he belonged on the field during Georgia’s 48-7 win over UT Martin in Week 1. The Georgia native led his unit in field time, playing 33 snaps. He also recorded recorded two tackles, one of them being solo. Allen’s statistics aren’t the only thing that fit in with the rest of the Bulldogs.

Despite being only a freshman, Allen stands at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds. The monstrous 18-year-old makes opposing running backs look like JV wannabes. While Allen has the size necessary to succeed at Georgia, Smart still believes he can strengthen his mental game.

CJ Allen builds understanding on the field

“As far as how he played, I think he had some jitters, I think he was nervous. I think a lot of our guys were — anxiety there. You have to go out and play in your first college game,” Smart said. “I can’t imagine going straight from high school to being out there and playing and he got afforded that opportunity and he played okay, but he’s really bright.”

Allen doesn’t have a choice. At middle linebacker, Allen is required to keep his teammates in check. Smart doesn’t expect it to take long before Allen looks like a five-star general on the gridiron.

“The praise I have for CJ Allen is not more about his performance, but his ability to handle information and play within our defensive scheme at the signal caller position,” Smart said. “That position? You go comb the country, you’re not gonna see a ton of freshmen linebackers that are out there playing, making the calls. That is impressive.”

Allen can continue to hone in his skills this weekend. On Saturday, Georgia will take on Ball State at noon ET. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.