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Allen heading to UA as commit No. 14

Albuquerque (N.M.) La Cueva defensive end prospect Calvin Allen recently took his second trip to Arizona, and it once again reassured him of what he liked about the program.
"They both went really well," Allen said of his visits Tuesday evening. "I was able to learn how I would fit into the team and what the coaching staff is really about. I like the coaching staff and what they've been doing out at Arizona.
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"I'm getting a lot of interest from Arizona right now, so it's going pretty good."
Wednesday morning the 6-foot-5 recruit decided he had seen all he needed to see and gave the Wildcats his verbal pledge.
"Me and my parents sat down last night and talked about everything," he said Wednesday morning. "And we just decided that it was the best decision for me, and probably shouldn't put it off any longer."
Making a commitment early was something that Allen wanted to do, but he also wanted to make sure the school he picked was the right fit as well. Knowing that early commitments have become the norm in recruiting, he felt some pressure to pull the trigger early - but it didn't have a big effect on his final decision.
"It kind of put a little bit of pressure," he said. "But I always kind of thought that I was going to go there, so I didn't want to put it off any longer."
The big defensive end's family played a big part in his decision, and for them UA was the best of both worlds - academics and football.
"My family likes it a lot and that's probably the biggest thing," Allen said. "My mom likes that fact that it's close and it's a really good academic school. And then they also have a really good football program."
After the loss of 2012 signee Dylan Cozens to Major League Baseball, early playing time became more of a possibility at UA and that had an effect on Allen's recruitment.
"I'm looking at early playing time a little bit," he said. "I have a chance to play early if I work hard, because they recently had one of their signees get drafted to the league for baseball. So they're down a player at my position, which gives me a chance to play out there."
Over the course of his recruitment Allen has built a strong relationship with the UA staff - and he liked the approach of his position coach Bill Kirelawich.
"It's good," he said about his relationship with the staff. "I talk to (recruiting coordinator) Matt Dudek a lot down there, and I like coach Kirlav and the way he does things and his scheme.
"I like how he coaches, I like the old school style. My dad played in college and that's kind of what I've gotten from him. What I've learned from him is kind of the same thing I'd get from coach Kirlav."
Allen said Tuesday that his skill set will work well with what the Wildcats want to do on defense.
"I always play hard and I'm good with my hands," Allen said. "So I don't get blocked very easily. But those are kind of like my strengths and I'm quick. ... They (UA) like my size and speed for that position. A lot of teams don't have tall rush ends, and that's what they're looking for and I fit that."
The three-star prospect chose UA over offers from New Mexico, New Mexico State, Iowa State and San Diego State. He also became the Wildcats' 14th commitment overall in the 2013 class and the fourth since Sunday.
At this point doesn't plan on keeping his recruitment open to other programs, although he does realize other opportunities might come.
"I was planning on kind of shutting things down," he said. "I know I'll probably hear from some other schools, but there's not a lot that will change my mind."
Click Here to view this Link.Matt Moreno
GOAZCATS.com Senior Recruiting Editor
  
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