WEST BOCA RATON – Allan Israel has come a long way.
After a period of being an unknown commodity at West Boca Raton, the area’s No. 5-ranked running back and No. 41 overall player went on to have a senior season to remember.
In 10 games played, Israel had 1,248 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. This amounts to 124.8 yards per game and 6.2 yards per carry.
Israel’s efforts led to him gaining offers from St. Thomas, Allegheny College, and North Palm Beach Prep. He went on to choose St. Thomas tonight over the other two schools that reached out him.
What won Israel over to St. Thomas were two things: a visit to the Miami-based campus this past weekend (Jan. 24-26) and the level of love he has received from the fledgling NAIA college football program.
“I loved the fit and the campus,” the 5-foot-9, 195-pound running back said of his college visit experience. “They [the coaches and players) made me feel like they wanted me, not me chasing them.”
Israel’s offer and commitment to St. Thomas was preceded by his appearance in last month’s Palm Beach County All-Star Game (Dec. 14, 2019 at Jupiter High School). He registered several runs for positive yardage and scored on a rushing touchdown in the first half of National’s 33-5 win over American.
“Congrats to this young man,” said National coach O’Brian Edwards, who is also an assistant coach for Palm Beach Lakes. “He has the potential to have a great future at St. Thomas University. So happy for him.”
Israel reflected on his experience at last month’s all-star showcase.
“I did great,” Israel said. “I really showed that I can compete with anybody.”
Israel also spoke on his senior year at West Boca Raton.
“My teammates, I love them all. They’re my brothers forever,” Israel said. “I wish we would have won more. But I got 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns, so it was great.”
Now that Israel’s focus will be on officially signing his letter of intent to St. Thomas next Wednesday (Feb. 5) and then preparing for college, he wants everyone to know something else about him.
“Thank you to everyone who doubted me and thought I wasn’t gonna do anything,” Israel said. “You will know who Allan Israel is at STU. I’m going to make a name for myself, just like I said I would at the end of my junior year going into my senior year. Trust me.”
