QB Allen excels on the gridiron

Multiple schools under consideration by Ravens standout

Essex Ravens quarterback Colton Allen is about to experience one of the busiest summers of his life.

Colton Allen

Positions:
Quarterback

Height/ Weight:
6’4, 175 lbs

Teams:
Kennedy Clippers  (high school: WECSSAA)
Essex Ravens (OVFL)

Commitment:
Open

Official Visits:
None

Considerations:
Western, Windsor, Saint Francis Xavier, Guelph, Simon Fraser (NCAA Division 2)

Class:
2017

Colton began his career in the ninth grade with  Kennedy Clippers of the Windsor and Essex County Secondary School Athletic Association (WECSSAA).

“This is when I fell in love with the game of football,” explains Allen. “I played my first season of football with Kennedy High School and I was awarded with The Most Promising 9^th Grade Male Athlete Award.”

“I started every game at quarterback the entire season, which was a big confidence builder and a great experience for me.”

Allen then played his first season with the Essex Ravens of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL). Allen stated that he had such a great group of teammates to work with and the coaching staff were amazing which helped elevate his fundamentals.

Then, Colton returned to the Clippers and was selected as Team Captain.  The Clippers went from a 2-7 record the year prior to 7-2 turn around in one season, only to lose to École Secondaire L’Essor in the Championship Finals. Colton explained that the Clippers are on track to continue to improve everyday with great things to come.

Colton eagerly returned back to the Ravens program and was selected Team Captain and the starting quarterback position which he held the entire season.   Allen was honoured with both Offensive- Rookie of the Year  and Iron Raven Awards.

Last spring of 2015, one of the Team Ontario coaches contacted Allen for a tryout for the Spalding Cup.

“I made the cut and represented my Province along with multiple Raven teammates,” says Allen.  “I was fortunate to lead my team to a bronze medal for which I started every game in Montreal.”

“The highlight of last season was definitely winning Bronze Medal at the 2015 Spalding Cup with Team Ontario. Having an opportunity to travel to Montreal with my teammates for two weeks was not only the highlight of my football career but also the best time of my life.”

There are many people that have been influences on the quarterback’s life.

“The most influential people in my life are my father; he gives me tons of advice and guidance,” says Allen.  “My Coach, Austin Kennedy who is a great quarter back and has taught me skills, techniques, and so many more attributes to me dealing not only with football but also my education and life skills.”

“I will never be able to repay Coach Kennedy for what he has taught me; he is the main reason I have become the player I am today.  In grade nine he yelled at me every practice and now I see why; I owe him for that and look up to him as a player, coach, mentor and friend.   I am also very thankful for my high school Coach Bryan Yaworski, he was the one who saw potential in me in ninth grade and nearly forced me to play for the Ravens that summer.  I have him to thank for many of my successes also both on and off the football field! Lastly my family; mom, dad, sister, brother, cousins and my grandparents are all my biggest supporters, fans and inspirations.”

Away from gridiron, Allen excels in many other things.

“I am a four sport high school athlete,” adds the offensive standout.  “Last year I played football, soccer, hockey, and track and field.”

“I am always volunteering with my school and community.  When I’m not on the field,  I’m working out in the weight room. I also understand the importance of my education and work extremely hard to balance my training and my studies as I currently hold an average of 87 percent in academic university courses.”

As for his future, Allen has given it some thought.

“I would like to attend University in Canada or in the United States of America,” says the quarterback.  “I am working towards attending post-secondary education and studying Political Science, then attend Law School with the intention of becoming a lawyer like my father and possibly merging into a politician to help my community for which  I love and respect.”

“Playing Team Ontario really opened my doors to scouts and universities interested in my highlights. I’m hoping to play football at the next level, whether in the CIS, or NCAA.”

During the offseason, Allen is working hard to achieve his future goals.

“Over the past three months, I’ve been working out every day at school in the weight room with the direction of my high school football coach,” says Allen.  “After school, three days a week I attend strength and Conditioning Camp with the Essex Ravens.”

“Not to mention the practices, games and workouts for soccer which I also play! To improve for this season I will keep at my daily workouts of strength and weight lifting to continue to build my arm strength. I am also relentlessly training  to improve my footwork, agility and speed.  I will continue to work with Austin Kennedy to gain every ounce of football knowledge he has to offer.”