Westfield High’s Nehemiah Allen Commits to West Point, Balancing Football, Academics, and Service
Westfield High School senior Nehemiah Allen, a standout defensive lineman for the Mustangs, has officially committed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Allen, who has played varsity football since his sophomore year, will continue his athletic career at one of the nation's most prestigious institutions while also serving as a U.S. Army cadet.
West Point is consistently ranked among the top public schools in the country, known for its rigorous academic and military training programs. According to U.S. News & World Report, it ranks as the second-best public school in the United States and fourth for undergraduate engineering programs. Allen joins a growing number of Spring ISD athletes who have pursued military service, including three Westfield Mustangs who committed to the Naval Academy in 2020 to play football for the Midshipmen.
“They offer so many different opportunities for me besides football,” Allen said. “They have a great program up there, but the prestige of the university is just as awesome.”
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Balancing Athletics and Academics
Allen has built a reputation as both a dominant defensive player and a high-achieving student. He is currently ranked sixth in his graduating class while studying architecture at Westfield High School. At West Point, he plans to continue his passion for engineering and design.
“The military isn’t just combat. There is so much more to offer,” Allen said. “I mean, there’s robotics, security, field medics, and cybersecurity. That’s where I want to go. That is what really intrigues me. Engineering and architecture, that type of thing is what I really like.”
On the field, Allen has delivered an outstanding senior season, recording 64 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and six sacks. His performance earned him First Team All-District honors, recognition as a finalist for the Touchdown Club of Houston Defensive Player of the Year, and a selection to the Bayou Bowl, an All-Star game featuring top high school football players from the Houston area.
A Leader On and Off the Field
Allen’s dedication to football and academics has not gone unnoticed by his coaches, teammates, and school district leaders. Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa recalled being particularly impressed with Allen’s effort during a playoff game.
“Even though we were losing, I kept seeing this ‘number 92’ showing amazing effort,” Hinojosa said. “His passion, his energy, and his effort were infectious, and it had the entire press box impressed with him. He is a prime example of the caliber of students we produce as a district, and we are all incredibly proud of him and look forward to his future accomplishments.”
Westfield football head coach Desmar Black also praised Allen’s strong work ethic and commitment to his education.
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“He takes his academics very seriously. He is a great example of putting academics before athletics. He’s one of the most dependable and trustworthy kids I’ve ever been around. There’s no limit to what he can do.”
Fellow teammates recognize Allen as an influential leader and role model.
“He’s a great leader and role model for the whole team,” said Westfield senior football player Keshawn Monroe. “We all look to him as an example of how to do things the right way.”
Overcoming Challenges and Defying Expectations
Allen’s journey has been one of perseverance and determination. He credits his love for football to a defining moment in seventh grade when he dominated a matchup during practice and realized his potential in the sport. By his sophomore year, he set his sights on playing at the collegiate level and committed himself to making it happen.
“I’m proud of myself because of all the hard work I put in,” Allen said. “I want to prove people wrong. People have said I’m too small to play D1 or not smart enough, but I am proof that you can do anything if you work hard.”
As he prepares for the next chapter at West Point, Allen exemplifies the balance of athletic excellence, academic achievement, and service to his country. His journey stands as an inspiration for student-athletes striving to reach their goals through dedication and hard work.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
