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When Point University moved to West Point it became a hot spot for athletes in Chambers County. Several athletes have come from local schools and dominated athletically for the Skyhawks. Payton Allen was a dominant athlete in high school, and now he is looking to finally put his stamp on Point during his fourth year on the college gridiron. 

Allen was one of the most impressive athletes in the area and in the state during his senior season (2020) for Chambers Academy. He led the Rebels to a 12-1 record and the 2A AISA state championship. 

Along the way, Allen accumulated 4,101 total yards, 16 total touchdowns and was named Back of the Year during his senior season. 

The college game has been a different animal for Allen. In his first season, Allen played in 11 games and threw for 996 yards, two touchdowns and 15 interceptions. After that season, Allen has been in the thick of the quarterback battle at Point and has only played in four games over the past two seasons. 

There were several challenges that Allen had to overcome. The biggest challenge came with the lack of familiarity. In high school, Payton was coached by his dad Jason Allen at a school that he grew up in. 

Allen was challenged with learning a whole new system at Point, and he also had to learn the different disguises and complexities that come with facing college defenses. 

“It’s definitely been different because I’ve always played for my dad,” Allen said. “The first time not playing with my dad, but it’s a new challenge. I’ve enjoyed it and learned some stuff. I’ve learned how to compete more with better players. It’s made me better.” 

Allen is once again going into a quarterback battle this offseason with the Skyhawks. This time, he wants to take control of the starting job and lead the team. 

This offseason has been an important juncture for Allen. The team does not report to fall camp until July 29, but he has already been busy working on his game. 

“I’ve been putting in a lot of work during the summer,” Allen said. “When fall camp comes [I’ll] get a lot of film study and extra throws with guys. Just putting extra work and putting myself in the best spot.” 

Allen is focused on becoming the starting quarterback for the Skyhawks this season, but he is also following his passions outside of Point University. 

Allen has a passion for helping young athletes, and he has been following in his dad’s footsteps this year as he has served as an assistant coach for Chambers Academy. The school was Allen’s home, and now he wants to help the athletes there get better. 

“For one, I love Chambers Academy,” Allen said. “It’s been great to me. I loved my time when I was in school there. I love the kids there now and all the faculty and coaches there. It’s home for me.”

As of now, Allen is studying education and thinking about a career as a coach. Growing up with a head coach as a dad can have its positives and negatives. Allen believes that he gained a lot from having his dad as a coach. 

“I think it helps a lot. I fell in love with the game,” Allen said. “Ever since I was a kid, I was always going games with him on the sidelines. He spent so much of his free time throwing the ball with me or talking X’s and O’s. I loved having my dad as a coach.” 

Payton and his dad Jason still talk football constantly as Payton leans on his dad for advice about the game. The two have made an impact on Chambers County and continue to cement a legacy in the area. 

Allen was dominant in high school, but he did not receive a lot of college attention coming from a small school. He decided to take advantage of the opportunity he was given at Point. Allen believes that coming from a small school can lead to fewer opportunities, but athletes should trust in their skills and compete where they have the opportunity. 

“Just know that, even though you’re from a small school, that doesn’t mean anything. Some people come from smaller schools and don’t get as big of opportunities,” Allen said. “If you can play, you can play. It doesn’t matter if you come from somewhere small.”