08:45 AM CDT on Tuesday, July 11, 2006

GRAND PRAIRIE – Tray Allen's meteoric rise to the state's No. 1 college football prospect, and No. 7 in the nation, began at a football camp last summer at Texas A&M.

RICKY MOON/Special Contributor

South Grand Prairie lineman Tray Allen (left) was recruited by Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Southern Cal, LSU, Florida and Notre Dame.

About to enter his junior year at South Grand Prairie at the time, he impressed scouts with his quickness coming off the ball and a desire to learn the intricacies of the offensive line.

"Everything blew up really quick after that camp," Allen said.

Last week, Rivals.com placed Allen atop its state 100 list. It wasn't a surprise. The 6-4 ½ , 305-pound lineman has been prominent on other lists for several months.

"When you think about all the high school players in the state, it is a big honor," Allen said.

Allen said A&M recruited him heavily, but in April he orally committed to Texas. Oral commitments are non-binding. The first day a player can sign a letter of intent is Feb. 7, 2007.

He is expected to make an impact early on at Texas. He is considered a versatile lineman who can play tackle, guard and center. His strength is another separator. Allen has bench-pressed 350 pounds and 555 pounds in the squat.

Allen said the distinction of being the state's top player has a down side.

"I know the guys I play against every Friday night are going to want to prove something," Allen said.

"But I have something to prove, too."

DMN

TRAY ALLEN

School: South Grand Prairie

Year: Senior

Position: Left tackle

Ht./wt.: 6-4 ½, 305 pounds

40-yard speed: 5.31 seconds

Committed to: Texas

Summer job: City league youth baseball umpire

The top recruits on the Rivals.com state list: