CJ Allen’s presence on Tuesday was undeniably commanding
While the 6-foot-1, 235-pound sophomore’s physical stature was impressive as he spoke from the podium, his emphasis on team cohesion and leadership was even more striking.
Earlier in the day, Georgia football coach Kirby Smart had offered rare commendation for the young middle linebacker. “CJ Allen is a natural leader who excels at his role,” Smart noted, “and he doesn’t play like a sophomore; he plays with the maturity of someone older.”
This recognition was well-deserved, as Allen was one of three Georgia players to be named FWAA Freshman All-American last season. He stepped up significantly when Jamon Dumas-Johnson, the starting middle linebacker, broke his forearm during the Bulldogs’ 30-21 victory over Missouri. Allen made a crucial play by forcing a hurried pass from Tigers’ quarterback Brady Cook, which Ntazir Stackhouse intercepted, helping Georgia maintain its SEC-record 29-game win streak.
The following week, Allen further showcased his talents with nine tackles and a sack in Georgia’s 52-17 triumph over then-No. 9 Ole Miss. His impressive performance led to Dumas-Johnson transferring to Kentucky rather than competing to reclaim his starting spot.
Hailing from Barnesville, a small town of about 6,300 people once known as the “Buggy Capital of the South,” Allen combines confidence with humility. “I believe we’re making great progress,” Allen commented on the defense’s development this season. “We’re working hard every day to improve.”
For Allen, the most challenging aspect of playing middle linebacker, or “Mike,” is also the role he takes the most pride in. “Being the quarterback of the defense means everyone looks to you to make the calls each play,” he explained. “It’s an honor to take on that responsibility, even though it can be seen as pressure.”
Allen values representing his hometown of Barnesville, where he recently hosted a youth camp after spring practices. “It was a dream to stay in my state and be close to home,” said Allen, who was a top 100 recruit out of high school and chose Georgia over several other major programs, including Tennessee, Auburn, LSU, Oregon, and Florida. Staying close to his mother and serving as a role model for local youth were key factors in his decision.
“That’s one of my biggest motivations,” Allen noted, referring to how coach Kirby Smart encourages players to share their personal sources of motivation. “Everything I do, I think about the kids in Barnesville and how I can inspire them to pursue their dreams and show that they can achieve them.”
Allen is capable of excelling in various aspects of the game, whether it’s confronting large offensive linemen or pursuing speedy running backs and receivers. With a season of experience now behind him, he anticipates even more progress. “Things have slowed down for me as I learn more. I’m focused on improving my skills from last year and building on that,” Allen said. “The key for me is having confidence in making the right calls, positioning teammates effectively, and solving problems for the defense.”
Similar to how quarterbacks must quickly adjust their plays, Allen needs to adapt and make the appropriate defensive adjustments based on the situation. “I’m getting better at making calls and understanding not only my role but also the positions of my teammates,” he explained.
Managing the Georgia defense is an ongoing process for Allen. “You never fully master the defense; there’s always something new to learn,” he said. “It’s a continuous process of understanding what the safeties and the defensive line are doing.”
As Allen continues to develop into a mature leader, Georgia fans, especially those from Barnesville, are eagerly watching him build what promises to be a lasting legacy.
