Bob Jones National Signing Day

MADISON- Artavious Allen was the lone wolf among signees at Bob Jones as part of National Signing Day 2019.

The 6-foot-5, 280-pound offensive tackle signed with West Alabama and is expected to battle for starting position for the Tigers this fall as the squad plays in the Gulf South Conference as part of the NCAA Div. II. The school is located in Livingston.

“It was like a brotherhood when I visited the campus and everyone seemed to be very close and I loved that,” said Allen, son of Leslie Ford and Misty Allen. “They have won a lot of region titles there and I’m looking forward Ito playing with players I have met.”

Allen was a big part of the offensive success for the Patriots in 2018 where the squad was 6-5 and lost in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs. He was named Most Improved Player and became a hot topic among recruiters his senior year gaining offers from both Miss Valley and West Alabama while receiving strong interest from two additional programs.

Moving to Madison from Florence at age 10, Allen began playing youth football in Madison and was soon part of the Discovery Middle School football program before advancing to Bob Jones varsity. Prior to his move to Madison, doctors had told him it would be best if he did participate in sports due to suffering from asthma. Once arriving in the immediate area and being seen by local physicians, he was encourage to indulge in athletics as that may make his asthma more tolerable. His condition has improved greatly though he still carries an inhaler with him just in case his symptoms arise.

Allen said his inspirations in life have been his grandfather, his mother and a sister, who ran track at Bob Jones for two years. He carries a 2.7 GPA and is undecided about his plan of studies once with the Tigers.

“It’s a great feeling to sign a scholarship. I feel special and I know I will have to work hard to get that starting position this fall,” said Allen.