WILLIAMSTOWN — Rickie Allen rushed for 1,632 yards and 32 touchdowns during his senior season for the W.Va. Class A state champion Williamstown football team.
He’ll be a welcome addition to the Case Western Reserve football program next season, to which he committed during a ceremony Wednesday at Williamstown High School.
Allen felt like Case Western was the best fit for him athletically and academically.
“I got to talk to coach (Dereck) Slesh and the football team,” Allen said. “I got to go on a visit. It felt like home. It’s a great academic institute as well.”
Allen plans to major in finance and go into pre-med. He also considered Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but ultimately chose Case Western, which competes in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division III level.
Allen is grateful for the opportunity to continue playing the sport he loves.
“I mean, it’s really special,” he said. “I’ve played my whole life. I’ve always want to play college football. It’s a dream come true.”
Allen enjoyed plenty of individual and team success as a prep athlete for the Yellowjackets. He rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns in their 52-20 win over James Monroe in the 2022 state title game.
As a junior, Allen rushed for 1,490 yards and 21 touchdowns en route to leading Williamstown to the state final, where the ‘Jackets fell to Ritchie County. Also a standout linebacker, Allen recorded 100 tackles and three interceptions as a junior to earn first team all-state defensive honors. Then, as a senior, he was named first team all-state on offense.
Allen gives a lot of credit to his coaching staff, led by head coach Chris Beck, for helping him become the player he is today.
“My coaches really developed me into a player that can play different positions,” Allen said. “I’ve played offense and defense. Obviously being at Williamstown, we have a great team and you learn how to play well together.”
Allen was recruited primarily as a running back, but is prepared to do whatever he needs to do to help the Spartans win games, whether it be on offense, defense or special teams.
“Anywhere they need me, they know I’m willing to do it,” Allen said.
Allen shouted out his coaches, parents and family for helping him get to this point and is looking forward to his college career.
Contact Jordan Holland at jholland@newsandsentinel.com.
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