Fordyce defensive lineman Carmilo Allen commits to Arkansas State

Arkansas State got its second in-state commitment, 11th overall, for the 2024 class on Thursday morning from Fordyce defensive lineman Carmilo Allen. 

Allen (6-3, 250) has additional Division I offers from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Central Arkansas, Lindenwood (Mo.) and Southeast Missouri State. 

The relationship formed with defensive line coach Vinson Reynolds, who also serves as the Red Wolves' defensive run game coordinator, played a key factor in the decision. 

"Ever since Coach Reynolds first saw me, he will texts almost every week," Allen said. "That is one of the things I liked most and also Coach Jones has been talking to me."

Allen burst onto the scene as a sophomore helping the Redbugs to their third consecutive state finals appearance and was the game's leading tackler. 

A multi-position player, Allen will likely line up at defensive tackle in Jonesboro, but has proven effective at multiple positions. He plays tight end on offense, but has proven to be one of the premier defensive front seven athletes in Class 3A after collecting 98 tackles, including 11 for loss. and two interceptions. 

Now that his college decision is out of the way and he can focus on his senior season, Allen said the goal is to get back to Little Rock after falling in the second round of the playoffs during Fordyce's inaugural season of competition in Class 3A.

"We were super young last year so I feel like we are going make it further," Allen said. "We have a lot of motivation and we are going to make a statement this year."