'Smart', 'incredible player', 'really bright': Early buzz growing for freshman LB CJ Allen
A top 100 prospect in the Class of 2023 and with substantial buzz throughout the spring and fall camp season, it was clear that former Lamar County linebacker CJ Allen would be a name to know for the future of the Georgia defense.
What came as a bit of a surprise, however, was to see Allen lead all Georgia linebackers in on-field time last Saturday. The true freshman paced the position with 33 snaps against UT-Martin per Pro Football Focus and contributed two tackles to the Bulldogs’ 48-7 victory over the Skyhawks.
As with any player on the Georgia roster, Allen’s opportunity was earned, not given. Kirby Smart made as much clear during his press conference to open Ball State week on Monday.
“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.”
Senior safety Dan Jackson echoed the comments of his head coach on Tuesday, pointing to the command Allen showcased on Saturday and his impressive athleticism.
“He did great. CJ is an incredible player. He has great speed, and he knows, we all know we have to be on the same page. He does a great job of looking back and making sure all of the safeties and linebackers are on the same page.”
There’s still room to grow for CJ Allen
Though he showed flashes of what may be to come in his future in the opening week, Smart certainly isn’t ready to crown the emerging star as a complete player just yet.
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“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.
Jitters aside, it’s clear Smart seems to believe things can continue to progress, thanks equally to his intangible leadership as much as his standout ability on the field.
“I mean, 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.”
CJ Allen was the nation’s No. 76 overall prospect in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking and the No. 6 overall linebacker in the class per the same metric.
