If there’s somebody you don’t want to line up across from on a Friday night in Oklahoma City this fall, it’s 6-foot-3, 205-pound Mount St. Mary’s John Allison.
“Allison has been a three-year starter for the Rockets,” head coach J.D. Runnels said. “A big and physical player, he can create mismatches as a tight end and slot WR.” New offensive coordinator Drew England should have fun scheming to put the ball in Allison’s hands, but that’s not all the bruising athlete can do. In addition to his 44 catches for over 500 yards last year, Allison was responsible for 44 tackles at outside linebacker.
“I enjoy the competitive nature of football because of the battle that goes on between two people every single play,” Allison said. “I also love the mental aspect of football, where you have to win against yourself constantly.”
The game fell into Allison’s lap in the eighth grade. He had played (and still plays) basketball his whole life, but being on the gridiron unlocked a new passion.
“I always saw my family members be great at sports like basketball,” Allison said, “so I wanted to be just as good at something, so I tried football.”
Being a naturally gifted player comes with its drawbacks: “Probably living up to expectations that people put onto me or that I have put onto myself,” Allison said. Regardless, he refuses to shy away from challenges. Among his goals for this year are to receive an All-State nod, pick up Division I offers and lead the Rockets to a deep playoff run.
What’s it going to take?
“Non-stop energy and focus in everything we do,” Allison said.
After high school, Allison plans to pursue a degree in engineering while playing at the collegiate level.
