Calvin Allen surprised many family members and friends when, as a high school senior, he chose the Arizona Wildcats over his hometown team.
The UA defensive end grew up worshipping Lobos legends DonTrell Moore and Brian Urlacher, after all. During the basketball season, he bled cherry and silver.
Worse, Allen’s commitment to a Pac-12 team meant he probably wouldn’t come home again — at least to play football.
“Once I decided to come here, I never thought I’d be able to play in front of my home crowd,” Allen said. “It’ll be nice to play in University Stadium at least once.”
The Dec. 19 New Mexico Bowl will be special for Allen, a sophomore who is the only New Mexican on the Wildcats’ roster. Allen starred in football and basketball at Albuquerque’s La Cueva High School before committing to the UA. He played sparingly as a redshirt freshman in 2014, but has seen time in 11 games this season. Allen’s numbers — he has six tackles and a sack — belie the fact that he’s developing into a nice piece for an embattled Wildcats defense. The 6-foot-6-inch Allen has transformed his body over three seasons, even though he’s gained just 6 pounds. The defensive end weighs 266 pounds.
The Star talked to Allen this week about growing up in Albuquerque, his decision to attend the UA, and what he expects in this year’s bowl game:
You verbally committed to the UA in 2012, the same year Arizona beat Nevada in the New Mexico Bowl. Did you go to the game?
A: “I did. I was a senior in high school, and I actually had a basketball game that night. My dad’s company was a sponsor for (the bowl game), and so I actually had a sideline pass. I got to sit down there and watch the game. Great game — then I had to go play basketball.”
So are you thrilled that Arizona’s going back?
A: “It’s going to be nice playing in your hometown, but I was happy for whatever we got. I’m sure my family will stop by the hotel before the game, but I won’t see any friends and family until after the bowl game. Then, I’ll just stay there” for Christmas.
What are your favorite things to do in Albuquerque?
A: “Going up on the mountain’s always nice. There’s always sports stuff: I like to golf there. I try to relax when I have the chance.”
Any restaurant picks?
A: “Trombino’s. It’s an Italian place. It’s really good.”
Are you a green chile fan?
A: “Oh, I love it. On burgers … on basically whatever.”
Growing up, how much did you follow the Lobos?
A: “My dad (also named Calvin) went there, and I always cheered for my home school. I always went to games with my friends. Really, I was a big Lobos basketball fan because my best friend is Bryce Alford, whose dad (Steve) coached there.”
So was there a pull to stay home?
A: “You know, in high school, we were planning to all stay at UNM. I finally said, ‘Arizona’s a better spot for me.’ A few weeks later, Bryce told me, ‘I’m going to UCLA.’ So I’m glad I didn’t stay.”
What have your teammates asked you about Albuquerque?
A: “A lot of people assume Albuquerque is not the best place. They’ve seen ‘Breaking Bad.’ They think it’s full of drugs. In reality, it’s really beautiful. The mountains are great, the scenery’s nice. I tell them, ‘There’s not a whole lot to do there, but it’s nice.’”
People compare it to Tucson all the time …
A: “You know, the layout’s the same, but other than that, it’s different. It’s not a college town there like it is here. And it’s much colder: I was home for Thanksgiving and I was like, ‘I’m cold.’”
