T.J. Allen began playing football at the age of 7. Fast forward a decade and Allen is the rock for his high school football program that itself is finding success.

He originally started on the defensive side of the ball until coaches saw a speed that was more suited to be a feature running back.

Now a junior stand-out running back and safety for Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, Allen fell in love with the game because of the competitiveness and comradery it brings. 

“It’s the brotherhood and the competition and the fact that you have to rely on the person next to you,” Allen said.

Allen is one of only a few players in the program who played the sport before high school.

Head coach Ron Fagan immediately recognized Allen's natural football ability.

“He's really athletic. He’s a really good kid and he wanted to be great,” Fagan said. “You don't get a lot of kids who are athletic and will work when no one is looking.”

Allen burst on the scene as a sophomore last year, amassing 1,046 yards and 12 total touchdowns on 6.6 yards per carry. He's up to 968 yards and already has 15 touchdowns as a junior while averaging 8.5 yards per carry.

Allen, as well as a few other teammates, spent the summer working out with Fagan, preparing for the current season.

Allen also took on a prominent role at safety because the team suffered some injuries.

But it's his work as a running back that reflects his impact beyond the rushing totals.

At 5-foot-7 and 163 pounds, Allen is a physical player who takes pride in his blocking as much as running the rock himself.

Allen’s teammate, Sean Collins, also plays running back and benefits from Allen’s blocking skill.

“He gives me a giant gap to run through,” Collins said. “We always expect a big play to happen when he’s blocking or running.”

Collins himself has 603 rush yards on the season and averaging 11.3 yards a tote. 

Allen takes pride in clearing the way for others to find success, which in return is leading to huge team wins.

“I feel like for the team, my blocking is more important than me running,” Allen said.

With Allen’s consistency at the running back position, there is an opportunity to play at the college level.

“T.J. has already got a few schools looking at him and he’s going to get some opportunities,” Fagan said.

Fagan feels the next steps in Allen’s development are becoming stronger and faster.

Allen took that advice to heart and joined the school's track team, something Fagan feels will make him even more dangerous in his upcoming senior year.

Allen has a more reserved personality, but his work ethic and outstanding play set an example for his teammates to follow.

“I let my play dictate my leadership but I understand that I have to be louder with my words in the future,” Allen said.

The Shadow Mountain coaches and players understand keeping Allen healthy is imperative to their success moving forward.

“He knows that, we know that,” Fagan said. “If he doesn’t think he has the angle he’s going to lower his shoulder.”

Fagan feels it is important to let Allen stick to his physical play style but alluded to the fact that he monitors Allen from time to time. But now is not the time for being cautious with Allen’s usage.

Shadow Mountain will need to win their remaining two games to clinch a berth in the playoffs.

Thankfully, they have their rock in Allen to continue to rush and block their way forward – they hope that includes the postseason.