Barnesville – Over 200 children were gathered at Trojan Field on Saturday, May 18 for the 1st Annual CJ Allen Youth Football Camp. Participants included local kids in addition to several others who traveled to Barnesville from other parts of the state to meet their favorite Georgia Bulldog, CJ Allen. The impressive number of participants is a testament to Allen’s popularity and fan excitement going into his second season with the Bulldogs.
Allen, a sophomore at the University of Georgia, played high school football at Lamar County High School, leading the Trojan football program on both sides of the ball while he donned the navy, white, and red. Last season, Allen showed the nation a glimpse of the future of Georgia’s defense, already making a tremendous impact on UGA’s gridiron success. He ended the season with 41 total tackles, stepping up in key moments, including Georgia’s matchup with Ole Miss when Allen led the team with nine tackles.
Though the hype around CJ Allen is growing among college football fans across the country, Allen hopes that people know him to be a down-to-earth, modest person. This is evident in his efforts to put on this free event. The camp included a t-shirt, lunch, and a special pair of CJ Allen socks. Drill stations were headed by energetic coaches who worked with campers on footwork, catching, and tackling. Allen even participated in the drills with the kids, talked with them, posed for pictures, and signed autographs.
Allen’s vision for the camp was simple and authentic. “What inspired me to do this camp was to put smiles on the kids’ faces,” Allen said. “I wanted to give them something to do, and though I may be a hero in their eyes, I want them to see that I am a real person.”
The children were enraptured with joy from start to finish, especially the local Lamar County kids. “I love this community, and I am for this community.” Allen expressed sentiment for the camp being hosted at Trojan Field. “I played on this field in middle school and high school. I had many early mornings and late nights here. This stadium is special because this is where it all started for me.”
The event undoubtedly created key moments in the football journeys of hundreds of children. CJ Allen’s future plans include hosting the camp annually, aiming to inspire and give back to his hometown. His commitment to the community and his humility amidst growing fame make him a superb role model for young athletes.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
