Matt Campbell and his coaching staff have been steadily gaining momentum on the recruiting trail since taking over at Iowa State about six weeks ago. Friday afternoon the momentum hit full steam when Nixa, Mo., tight end Chase Allen announced his commitment to Iowa State.
The three-star prospect (according to 247 and Scout, among others) chose the Cyclones over other finalists Nebraska and Michigan. He visited Ames Monday and attended Iowa State’s men’s basketball win over Kansas.
Allen is rated as the No. 25 tight end in the class by 247. During his senior year he caught 33 passes for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. He also stood out defensively with 92 tackles (11 for loss) and three sacks.
Safe to say he was an all-state selection.
Allen is the son of former Northern Iowa and Kansas head coach Terry Allen (he also was Iowa State’s associate head coach/tight ends/special teams coach from 2002-2005).
Allen’s recruitment had picked up significantly over the past several weeks with Iowa State, Florida State, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Michigan and Missouri all extending their offers after December 1 of last year.
On film the 6-foot-7, 220 pounder is, in a word, explosive. He has good speed to get downfield and shows good hands, especially in traffic. His frame makes him an obvious target for jump balls and his high school team used that well.
It seems likely Iowa State will do the same.