Williamstown’s Rickie Allen signs with Case Western football | News, Sports, Jobs
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WILLIAMSTOWN — Rickie Allen rushed for 1,632 yards and 32 touchdowns during his senior season for the W.Va. Class A state champion Williamstown football team.
He will be a welcome addition to Case Western Reserve’s football program next season, which he committed to at a ceremony Wednesday at Williamstown High School.
Allen felt Case Western was the best fit for him athletically and academically.
“I need to talk to Coach (Dereck) Slesh and the football team,” Allen said. “I have to go visit. It felt like home. It is also an excellent university institute.
Allen plans to major in finance and go into pre-med. He also considered Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but ultimately chose Case Western, which competes in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference at the NCAA Division III level.
Allen is grateful to have the opportunity to continue playing the sport he loves.
“I mean, it’s really special,” he said. “I’ve been playing all my life. I always wanted to play college football. It’s a dream come true.
Allen had a lot of individual and team success as a prep athlete for the Yellowjackets. He rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns in their 52-20 win over James Monroe in the 2022 state title game.
As a junior, Allen rushed for 1,490 yards and 21 touchdowns en route to leading Williamstown to the state finals, where the ‘Jackets fell to Ritchie County. Also a standout linebacker, Allen recorded 100 tackles and three interceptions as a junior to earn All-State First-Team defensive honors. Then, as a senior, he was named the States first-team offensive player.
Allen gives a lot of credit to his coaching staff, led by head coach Chris Beck, for helping him become the player he is today.
“My coaches have really made me a player who can play in different positions,” Allen said. “I played in attack and defense. Obviously, being in Williamstown, we have a great team and you learn to play well together.
Allen was brought in primarily as a running back, but he’s willing to do whatever he needs to do to help the Spartans win games, whether it’s on offense, defense or special teams.
“Wherever they need me, they know I’m ready to go,” Allen said.
Allen has given credit to his coaches, parents and family for helping him get to this point and is looking forward to his college career.
Jordan Holland can be contacted at [email protected].
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