Georgia Tech has picked up a commitment for its signing class at an unlikely time. Briton Allen, a safety from Orlando, Fla., with several scholarship offers from power-conference schools, announced his decision to attend Tech on Friday, even as the identity of his future coach is unknown.
In a note posted on his Twitter account, Allen pronounced himself "2500 %" committed to Tech. Allen is rated the No. 389 prospect in the country by 247 Sports Composite, which makes him the highest-rated member of Tech's recruiting class by that ranking system. He becomes the 16th member of the class, which can sign when the early signing period begins Dec. 19.
Allen, whose highlight videos show off speed and an ability to drive through ballcarriers, played his senior season at IMG Academy, the sports-focused boarding school in Bradenton, Fla. Tech defensive lineman T.K. Chimedza, who just finished his first season, played there in 2017.
Allen reported scholarship offers from Auburn, Florida, Pitt, Virginia Tech and N.C. State, among others. He tweeted Tech’s offer in February.
The timing of Allen’s decision is unusual in that Tech’s football future is uncertain with coach Paul Johnson having stepped down this week. Typically, relationships with the head coach and area recruiter are significant factors in a recruit’s decision. Allen’s recruiter has been quarterbacks and B-backs coach Craig Candeto, whose days at Tech may well be numbered. Allen’s decision speaks to his evident belief in Tech beyond its coaching staff and to Candeto’s ability to communicate the value of a Tech education and to see his commitment to his job through.
Candeto obliquely celebrated the commitment with a tweet of his own Friday night: “It’s a great night in Atlanta. Added a biGTime hitter to the mix!”
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