Will Allen Position: C School: Buchholz HS
State: FL Height: 6’3’’ Weight: 215
Bats: B Throws: R Birth Date: 3/25/92
Seiler Rating: XXX Commitment: Ole Miss
Will Allen is a catcher from Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Florida, where he was 2009 first-rounder LeVon Washington’s teammate for three years. Allen relies on a game that is built on power on both sides of the ball. His arm is his best tool on the defensive side of the ball, and it’s above-average, pretty much the minimum requirement to be a solid pro catcher. He’s had to work hard on his transfer skills, and he still turns in average pop times around 2.00, despite having an above-average arm. He’s big for the position, and he’ll always have to work to stay behind the plate. His secondary position is first base, which would put enormous pressure on the offensive side of his game. At the plate he’s a switch-hitter with above-average raw power, though he struggles to tap into it against more advanced pitching. He profiles as an offense-first catcher either way, and his advancement will depend almost completely on his bat. Despite being from the Gators’ back yard, Allen committed to Ole Miss, as his chances of catching are much better there, as the Rebels are expected to have a catching opening after 2010. Allen should be signable in the first five rounds, but I see him going anywhere from round seven to twelve on talent.