On Friday in Pittsburgh, former Lamar County Trojan and Georgia Bulldogs football linebacker CJ Allen was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft as the 53rd overall pick. With the selection, Allen becomes just the second player in Lamar County High School history to be drafted into the NFL, the first since Craig Ogletree was selected out of Auburn University by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1990.
Allen, a graduate of Lamar County High School’s Class of 2023, now adds “NFL Draft pick” to his story that already includes a standout high school career, two Southeastern Conference championships, and one of the most consistent defensive runs in recent University of Georgia history.
While wearing the Trojan uniform, Allen established himself as a leader on and off the field. That same reputation followed him to Athens, where he quickly earned respect within the Bulldogs program.
When Allen arrived on campus early in 2023, Georgia was in the middle of its College Football Playoff run. Though not yet eligible to play, he made an immediate impact behind the scenes as part of the scout team preparing for the national championship game. Head coach Kirby Smart notably credited Allen on national television for his performance at practice as Georgia prepared for TCU’s defense, a contest that ended with a 65–7 Bulldog victory and a national championship crown.
CJ Allen lived up to the hype between the hedges. As a true freshman, he recorded 41 tackles. He followed that with 76 tackles as a sophomore and 88 as a junior.
In January, Allen declared for the 2026 NFL Draft following his junior season. Allen had become one of the top linebackers in the country, earning first-team All-SEC honors, being named an AP All-American, and finishing as a finalist for the Butkus Award.
Even with national recognition, Allen remained closely connected to Lamar County. He returned home to host youth football camps at Trojan Field and organized philanthropic efforts during the Christmas season to support local families.
Now, that journey takes him to Indianapolis.
Allen brings a physical style of play to the Colts, along with a reputation for preparation, leadership, and loyalty. These character traits have defined his career from Barnesville to Athens.
For many in Lamar County, it’s a moment of pride for one of its own. For CJ Allen, it’s the next chapter.
For the Indianapolis Colts, it is the addition of a linebacker whose best football may still be ahead.
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.
