One of our top freshmen in the state is up next in RB Zekodi Allen out of Janesville Craig. The 5’9″ 185 lbs freshman RB worked his way into a larger and larger role on varsity as the season rolled on. I get fired up when I turn on the tape for Zekodi. His ceiling is very high based off where he is at after his freshman season. The instincts are clearly strong and natural. He finds seams and sets up blocks or hits a cut back lane like a senior. The athleticism to go along with those instincts pairs perfectly. Quick and twitchy agility to work through traffic, powerful acceleration when he finds the alley he wants to hit, and the top end speed to be able to break off long runs. The freshman RB also served as kick returner. It is great to see his coaches tryign to find ways to get him the ball. He is a playmaker who is building towards being a very impressive athlete by the time his senior year rolls around.

Zekodi worked his way into a starting role late in the season for Janesville Craig. I was lucky enough to time one of those starts perfectly and be in attendance for it. Zekodi ended his freshman season going for 44 carries, 197 yards, 2 TDs, and returned 7 kickoffs for 111 yards. Zekodi is a stoutly built RB at 5’9″ 185 lbs. The freshman is starting to prove that he has those next level RB traits. Vision in traffic, quickly finding seams or cutbacks. He has a solid burst of acceleration. Plus that stout frame has a low center of gravity so he can finish runs rather aggressively. The freshman RB is going to be one to watch as he continues to carve out a bigger and more impactful role.

Another standout freshman from the season at the RB position was Zekodi Allen Zekodi Allen 5'9" | 185 lbs | RB Joseph A Craig | 2029 State WI . He rode that momentum into the early offseason and balled out at the PRZ WI Showcase. The 5’8″ 175 lbs freshman has a 6′ wingspan and 9.5″ hands. He ran a 4.85 40, 4.34 shuttle, and a 7.47 L-Drill. The freshman put together a great day on the field too. Showing explosive agility and elusive running. That thick frame is loaded with explosive power, especially for a freshman. His ability to beat LBs one on one throughout the day earned him a rep in the Best vs Best where he won on an out and up route and reeled in the deep pass. The 2029 is a versatile athlete that will be battling towards the top of his position throughout his career.

Stats: 18 Carries, 96 Yards, 132 AP Yards, 1 TD

It was great to see Zekodi in action. The freshman manned the RB1 role for Janesville Craig for the first time in his career and delivered a strong showing. The freshman really impressed me with his natural instincts as a runner. He was patient, attacked the hole as soon as he saw things open up, and was quick to find blocks or holes to cut back through. I loved that Zekodi was always moving forward too. No wasted movement or hesitation to his game. The ’29 RB finished his runs too, forcing gang tackles and pushing the pile. Zekodi is showing great early signs. He has also grown up to 5’10” 175 lbs now. The arrow is pointing straight up for the rising freshman.

Zekodi enters his freshman season at 5’8″ and now 170 lbs. Allen has the open field speed that outran angles over and over in his 8th grade highlights, but it is his vision and accerlation that have me most excited. Those are his best traits, and what will lead a lot of RBs to success if they can develop them. To be able to find holes or set up blocks, and then quickly utilize them. Zekodi is well on his way and should have some solid tape come out from this fall.

Zekodi Allen came in from out of state with decent size and ready to bang with the competition. Was definitely one of the better backs will an upside at the next level. Allen looked comfortable running routes and doing open field score drill. Displayed good balance, quickness, and vision.