Two schools lead for 2013 ATH

John Van Allen and his teammates at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut have wrapped up their 2011 season and now the junior prospect can turn his attention to the recruiting process. Van Allen was at BC for their game against Florida State and in spite of the loss the Eagles made a solid impression.

Avon Old Farms finished their season last week, losing in their bowl game in the closing seconds. It was a bitter pill to swallow but overall it's tough for the team to feel bad about how the season went.

"Overall it was a pretty decent season," Van Allen explained. "We lost to two undefeated teams who are playing for the New England championship and our last loss was a nail biter."

Van Allen believes he made plenty of progress and not only on an athletic level.

"I was a leader on this team," he said. "Defensively I thought I did pretty well and offensively, too. I led the team not only with big plays but with simple blocks and stuff like that."

Van Allen, listed as a 6-foot-3, 190-pound athlete, played wide receiver and safety this year. He scored five touchdowns on offense and intercepted a couple of passes on defense.

What about the recruiting process thus far?

"Actually, I've taken a couple of unofficial visits to BC and UConn. I'm planning on going to Syracuse as well," he said. "I do plan on taking other visits.

"I was at BC for the Florida State game. That's definitely a place I'm keeping on my list. I like the whole atmosphere. They've got a great tradition and they've been great in the past. I know they have a lot of freshmen that are starting now and that's probably why they haven't been too successful. They've got to be in that rhythm."

Van Allen said he hopes to visit several other schools in the region late this year or early next year.

Does he have any favorites?

"I'd say I'm leaning to BC and UConn, the two schools that are showing the most interest," he concluded.

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