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It’s National Signing Day and there is a log jam at the University of Kentucky’s fax machine (I assume they only have one). One of the biggest signing announcements was quarterback Beau Allen from Lexington Catholic High School.
Allen, a four-star recruit ranked as the 13th-best pro-style quarterback via Rivals, ultimately picked Kentucky over Duke, Washington State and West Virginia. Just two weeks ago, Allen was named the Paul Hornung Award by the Louisville Quarterback Club. That award is designated for the top high school football player in Kentucky.
Allen committed back in May, and he did not disappoint with his senior high school football season. Allen threw for 3,682 yards and 38 touchdowns, completing 67.8% of his passes. He also led Lexington Catholic in rushing 478 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Getting Allen is huge for Kentucky, who has landed several top in-state recruits, but have had trouble getting the top skill players. Allen is ranked as the No. 19 pro-style quarterback by the 247Sports composite rankings, and he comes in as the No. 5 player in the state of Kentucky.
One question about Allen’s signing is how it will play out with the signing of Auburn transfer Joey Gatewood. Gatewood was a higher-rated recruit coming out of high school, and he seems to better fit the mold of the offense that Eddie Gran had designed for Terry Wilson.
Gatewood’s status for next year is unclear. But since Mark Stoops and his staff were able to redshirt the entire 2019 class, you can imagine that is likely for Allen and many other 2020 recruits as well.
Check out these highlights from Allen’s senior season. Welcome to Kentucky, young man.
And here is his UK Athletics profile:
Four-star recruit by Rivals as the No. 13 pro-style quarterback … Rated a top 500 player in the class by 247Sports and the No. 19 pro-style quarterback … Named the Paul Hornung Award winner given to the top high school player in Kentucky … Candidate for Kentucky’s Mr. Football award … Completed 248 of 366 passes for 3,682 yards and 38 touchdowns and rushed for a team-high 478 yards and 12 scores … Finished his career with 11,439 passing yards and 127 touchdowns … Coached by Nigel Smith … Picked Kentucky over Washington State, West Virginia, Duke and others.