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NEXT MAN UP: OC Eric Allen tabbed Concordia Lutheran HFC
Eric Allen is the next man up at Concordia Lutheran High School.
After serving as offensive coordinator under Willie Amendola the past few seasons, Allen now takes the reins of the Crusaders program.
Before stepping into coaching, Allen played his college football at Oklahoma State University and the University of Montana. His coaching résumé includes stops at Northland Christian School and Cypress Christian School, among others.
VYPE’s Matt Malatesta caught up with Allen as he gears up for spring ball and the next chapter of Crusaders football.
Amari Nickerson is the Big Man on Campus at Cypress Ranch, recruiting circles.
Cy Ranch sophomore DT Vickerson has giant future ahead of him
The Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Kevin Vickerson starred at Michigan State and played eight years in the NFL. Now, his son, Amari Vickerson, is becoming the Big Man on Campus at Cypress Ranch High School and a highly sought-after recruit on a national scale.
“My dad has been training me since I was six years old,” Amari said. “When we aren’t talking football, we go fishing, play College Football 25, or watch sports like boxing or MMA.
“When it’s time to work, though, it’s time to work.”
Vickerson has offers from nearly every Power 4 program, and he’s just getting started. Watching football with his father, he admires the playing styles of Jalen Carter (Eagles), Von Miller (Bills), Myles Garrett (Browns), and J.J. Watt (former Texan).
“Yeah, I know the sacks and tackles for loss will be there because of my size, leverage, and hands,” the 6-foot-5, 290-pound defensive tackle said. “But I’m really working on my feet and my get-off right now. I’m focused on becoming dominant by combining technique with my size.”
What does he do to unwind?
“I love to work out, of course, but I also love to meditate,” Amari said. “It just calms my mind before a game or when things get stressful.”
This weekend, he’ll be headed to Texas A&M as he kicks off the "Amari Vickerson Road Tour".
“I’m looking for brotherhood, great facilities, and a coaching staff that can develop me,” he said. “A degree is important to me because I want to get into real estate or run my own business in the future. I want to learn how to talk business and understand what I’m talking about.”
His best football is still ahead of him, along with a bright future.