Michigan adds former four-star LSU commit OT via transfer

After transferring from LSU to a JUCO to La. Tech, the 6-foot-7.5 offensive tackle has committed to Michigan football.

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At one point, behemoth 6-foot-7.5, 343-pound New Orleans (LA) John Curtis four-star offensive tackle Willie Allen was not just committed, but enrolled at LSU. Rated the No. 183 prospect in the country, Allen redshirted his freshman year, but opted to transfer before his sophomore season.

Reportedly, LSU blocked his transfer choice of TCU, and Allen ended up going the junior college route before ending up at Louisiana Tech. A starter for La. Tech, he put up solid grades in both run and pass blocking per PFF. He was expected to return as a starter, but he surprised those in Ruston by opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. But he then changed course, entering the NCAA transfer portal on Oct. 12.

And now, he’s a Wolverine, having announced on Thursday evening via Twitter that he’s coming to Ann Arbor.

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His bio from LSU’s official site:

Phenomenal offensive lineman with exceptional run blocking skills and a solid frame … Imposing force who is quick off the snap and exploits his size to abuse defenders at will … Four-star prospect according to ESPN, Scout, 247 Sports … Rated as a 3-star recruit according to Rivals … Ranked as the No. 16 player in the ESPN 300 …Touted as the No. 2 offensive tackle and the No. 2 player in Louisiana per ESPN … Garnered First Team Defense All-USA Louisiana honors … Anchored an offensive line that helped John Curtis rack up 2,622 rushing yards with an average of 5.64 yards per carry in 2015 … Participated in the 2016 Under Armour Game … Louisiana 3A first team All-State in 2014 and 5A first team All-State in 2015 … New Orleans All-Metro in 2015 … Member of the Advocate Super Dozen in 2016 … Started every game for John Curtis over final three years of his career where he helped his teams to a 29-7 overall mark, a state title in 2013 and a runner-up finish in 2014 … Has been a key contributor on John Curtis basketball team as well … Has eight brothers and sisters … Coached by John Curtis.

Upon arrival, given that he was originally part of the 2016 recruiting class, Allen will have one-year of eligibility remaining, with 2020 not counting regardless if he sees the field at any point.