Columbia, SC — The journey through greatness is rarely a straight path. For Allen University Football, the road through the SIAC gauntlet has come with both setbacks and sparks of promise — but make no mistake: the Yellow Jackets have proven they belong.
After battling two of the top teams in the conference in back-to-back weeks — suffering a hard setback in one and pushing a powerhouse to the brink in the other — Allen sits at 2-2 in the SIAC, currently #5 in the standings, fully in control of their destiny.
These Yellow Jackets are no longer the hunters… they're starting to look like the hunted.
Lessons in the Fire: Tested by the Best
Facing off against Albany State and defending champion Benedict College, Allen didn't fold — they fought.
- Against Benedict, the Yellow Jackets led heading into the 4th quarter and nearly pulled off the upset of the year, falling only in the final moments.
- The defense stepped up with a season-high 3 interceptions and several game-changing plays.
- More importantly, the team showed that they could go toe-to-toe with the elite and emerge with belief, not excuses.
Players to Watch
Command at QB: Dismukes is Dialed In
Junior quarterback Jamir Dismukes has quietly become one of the most efficient and dangerous signal callers in the country. His numbers tell the story:
- 1,427 passing yards — leads the entire SIAC
- 71.7% completion percentage — top in the conference
His poise, accuracy, and command have been key in keeping the Yellow Jackets in every game.
Run It Back: Duncan is a Problem
Sophomore running back Fabian Duncan has become a household name in the SIAC. With an explosive mix of power and patience, he currently.
- Leads the SIAC in rushing with 721 yards
- Averages an incredible 120 yards per game (leads SIAC)
Duncan's physicality and vision have worn down defenses week after week — and he's just getting started.
The Wall Up Front: "Da Vision" O-Line is Dominant
Success starts in the trenches, and Allen's offensive line — nicknamed "Da Vision" — has been nothing short of dominant:
- #1 in the SIAC in first downs
- #7 in NCAA DII with 141 total first downs
They've protected Dismukes, opened lanes for Duncan, and set the tone for one of the most explosive offenses in the region.
Weapons on the Outside: WR Trio on a Historic Pace
The trio of Nanders Lawrence, Calvin Parker, and Marcus Fleming has quietly become one of the top receiving corps in the SIAC and country.
- Combined 964 yards receiving
- On pace to become the only WR trio in the SIAC to surpass 1,000 yards
These playmakers stretch the field, create separation, and give defensive coordinators nightmares.
The Defense Responds: Bending Less. Breaking Never.
The Allen defense made their presence known in the Benedict matchup — a game filled with elite-level intensity. Key contributors included:
- Aeron Gresham (DB): 2 interceptions, including a one-handed pick in the end zone
- JayShawn Smalls (LB): 1 interception + 7 tackles.
- DeJuan Hughes (DB): 12 total tackles, flying around the field. Also, leads AU in tackles and ranks #5 in the entire SIAC with 46.
- Jhyheem Pittman (DL): 5 key stops and ranks among the top pass rushes in multiple categories in the SIAC including
- Amarie Fleming (DL ): Ranks Top 5 in the SIAC in both tackles for losses as well as sacks being a consistent force for the Yellow Jackets up front.
The takeaway? Allen's defense is young, fast, and growing by the snap.
Next Mission: A Tough Savannah State Team Awaits
With momentum building and confidence rising, the Yellow Jackets return home to face a disciplined and dangerous Savannah State squad (2–3 overall). It's a game that could tip the balance of the season — and Allen knows what's at stake.
This team isn't chasing hype. They're chasing execution.
They've shown they can fight with the best. Now it's time to finish like the best.
Gameday Reminder: Saturday, October 11
Fairfield Central High School - Kickoff: 6:00 PM
Bring the energy. Bring the swarm. This team is writing their story in real time — and the next chapter could define the season.
