NAPLES, Fla. — The first set of rankings for the class of 2029 won’t be released until this upcoming summer, but Sunday night provided a prime opportunity to get an early look at that cycle as close to 80 of the nation’s top ninth graders got together for the annual FBU Freshman All-American Bowl.
The alumni list for the all-star event is beyond impressive. Not only does it include a pair of current NFL starting quarterbacks in Trevor Lawrence and Bryce Young, but multiple current college football stars like Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney, Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson IV.
ALPHA DOG: CB JAMES ALLEN
James Allen made the play of the night when picked off a pass in the back of the end zone on the final snap of the first half and raced 108 yards the other way for a touchdown. While Allen might have been a last-minute addition to the roster, he proved to be one of the top overall prospects on the field and drew rave reviews from anyone who attended practice.
A tall and explosive athlete, Allen is coming off a freshman campaign at Tampa (Fla.) Carrollwood Day where he totaled seven interceptions and broke up seven more passes. While he can certainly locate the football in the deeper third, he also flashes the desired physicality in run support as he can strike in the open field…