The treasure Darius Allen has found as a transplant in a new home can’t be measured in money. Allen’s reward came in a new start in a wholesome environment.
CSU-Pueblo’s football team is reaping the benefits, with Allen a central figure in the ThunderWolves’ drive toward a national championship. Saturday, eighth-ranked CSU-Pueblo (13-1) plays No. 1 Minnesota State (14-0) for the NCAA Division II championship at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. ESPN2 will televise the game, which starts at 2 p.m.
Allen, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior defensive end, was announced this week as the winner of the Gene Upshaw Division II lineman of the year award, the second year in a row he was so honored.
“My teammates deserve this award just as much as I do,” Allen said. “It would make me happy if all of them got the award.”
He received a first-place vote on 43 percent of the ballots after a terrific season in which he made 64 tackles, including 14 sacks, and had five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
“It’s really a credit to Darius,” said CSU-Pueblo coach John Wristen. “He’s been a senior leader. He has a knack for rushing the passer that is outstanding.”
For now, Allen’s focus is on the national championship game.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us,” Allen said. “We’re licking our chops about the opportunity.”
Wristen didn’t have to go far to recruit Allen, who moved to Pueblo from Lexington, Ky., before his junior year in high school.
“I had never been to Colorado before I came here in 2009,” he said. “It was a family decision that I come to Pueblo and live with my aunt and uncle. I came willingly and began a new chapter in my life.”
Allen’s mother, Sherlyn Reyes, still lives in Lexington. But she became concerned about her son’s surroundings back home and thought he would have a better chance with a fresh start. Allen moved in time for his junior year at Pueblo East High School. He stayed in Pueblo for college and bought into Wristen’s positive attitude and discipline.
“He has really grown up since he got here,” Wristen said, “and he has done it on his own.”
Allen said moving to Pueblo has been one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
“Pueblo turned out to be the greatest city for me,” he said. “I’ve met the best people in the world.
“There are certain people who come around in your life who just make you do that much better. I’ve met a lot of them here.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@denverpost.com or twitter.com/irvmoss
Allen’s ascent
CSU-Pueblo senior defensive end Darius Allen has blossomed into one of the best football players in Division II. A look at his accomplishments during his four-year career with the ThunderWolves:
2011: Allen, a graduate of Pueblo East High School, finished his freshman season with 11 tackles.
2012: He finished his sophomore season with 45 tackles and three sacks. Was named second team all-RMAC.
2013: He led the nation in sacks as a junior with 15½, a CSU-Pueblo record. Set another school record with 26½ tackles for lost yardage. Won the Gene Upshaw Award as the best lineman in Division II.
2014: He was named a unanimous All-American despite facing double-team blocks most of the season. Has 14 sacks this season, including five in three postseason games. Was named the RMAC’s defensive player of the year. Became the first player to win the Gene Upshaw Award in back-to-back seasons.