Cal got some very good news when Heritage cornerback Darius Allensworth announced his commitment to the Bears moments ago at his school. He is Cal's 10th verbal commit in the 2013 class, and our third defensive back commit, joining Georgians Shon Akins and Trey Cheek.
After verbally committing to Arizona back in April, Allensworth had made no secret of the fact that he was still looking around. He also saw several new programs offer after his stock jumped significantly over the late spring and summer thanks to some very good camp performances. Cal extended an offer back in mid-July and things started looking good from there. After taking unofficial visits to Wisconsin and Cal, he officially de-committed from the Wildcats two weeks ago. More like GOLDEN Bear Down, amirite!? /shows self out
In 2011, Allensworth starred on both sides of the ball for Heritage; totaling 64 tackles and 4 interceptions on defense while also recording 30 receptions for 395 yards and 5 touchdowns as a wide receiver. That kind of versatility and athleticism is a big part of what Darius brings to the table as a defensive back prospect.
After the jump, we'll look at Darius' measurables and rankings, 2011 highlights, and provide some analysis and thoughts on him as a player.
Welcome to Cal, Darius. Go Bears!
MEASURABLES & RANKINGS
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180 lbs
Scout ranks Darius as a 3-star prospect and and the # 77 CB in the country.
Darius committed to Cal over offers from Arizona (trollface), Wisconsin, UCLA, Colorado, Utah and Washington State.
HIGHLIGHTS
THOUGHTS AND ANALYSIS
The fact that Allensworth's highlights are split pretty evenly between offense and defense speaks to his versatility. I like a DB who plays offense because it gives them an appreciation for a wide receiver's mindset. That makes coverage easier. It's also evidenced in the way he competes for the ball. Physically, Allensworth doesn't show blazing speed, but he does have a nice burst and explosiveness off the line. His speed seems more than sufficient to me. And he's a smooth athlete. He has little problem staying tight in coverage and finds the ball fast. In that vein, I like the way he closes on the ball/ball-carrier and isn't afraid to deliver a hit. He has good, fluid hips when he opens from his backpedal to turn and run. He's also got a thick and powerful frame that serves him well when contesting a jump ball. He seems bigger than his listed 5'11 since he gets UP when the ball is in the air. He's physical too, and he uses his hands pretty actively in defense. I like him a lot. Thick, athletic DB with a nose for the ball whose physical in coverage.
CONCLUSIONS
This is a GOOD get. Allensworth is an underrated prospect...and I'm not just saying that. He impressed at every camp he attended and every 7-on-7 tournament he participated in, including high-profile and talent-laden ones like Passing Down in Fullerton, the Rivals SoCal Showcase in Westlake Village, and the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge in Atlanta. Big camps with lots of studs in attendance. And Allensworth more than held his own...he shined.
He's got the size, physicality and athleticism to be a very good cornerback. In fact, he reminds me of Stefan McClure physically. While thicker than McClure, he's a smooth and fluid athlete who isn't a total burner, but has plenty of explosion and is more than capable of staying on a receiver's hip. He presses really well and has a nose for the ball. He locks dudes up. He also seems really jazzed about Cal. That's my kind of guy.
In a year where defensive backs are a focus, it's great that we got a guy like Allensworth in the fold. Dig it.
GO BEARS!