More Than a Game: CIAA Athletes Uncovered 

Episode 2: The Quiet Storm 

Featuring: Curtis Allen – Virginia Union University 
*Senior Running Back | NCAA Leader in Six Statistical Categories 

Rushing Touchdowns, Rushing Yards, Rushing Yards Per Game, Rushing Yards Per Carry, Scoring, Total Touchdowns 

Charlotte, NC (November 12, 2025) - He doesn’t talk much; he lets the numbers speak for him. Leading the nation in six major statistical categories, Curtis Allen has quietly become one of the most dominant players in college football. But his greatness isn’t built on flash or noise; it’s built on humility, consistency, and heart. Known around the locker room as “The Quiet Storm,” Allen’s calm presence and powerful play have helped define Virginia Union’s identity: strong, steady, and unshakable. His story is about faith, family, and a relentless drive to be better on and off the field. 

Q&A: Curtis Allen — “The Quiet Storm” Interviewed and Edited by: Matisse Lee, CIAA 

1. How does it feel to know you’re number one in the nation in all of your respective categories? Has that changed how opponents play you or how you approach the game each week? 
"It feels good. I’m happy but not content. We want more as a team. I want so much more." 

2. What’s been the key to maintaining consistency this late in the season? 
"You have to love football, I love football. You must have the right mindset. Every day it’s PLAY411, and you must buy into the process. I’m totally committed." 

3. You lead the nation in nearly every major rushing category. What drives you to perform at this level week after week? 
"It’s my mom. She works so hard to provide, and I want to make it just to take care of her. I talk to her every day, and she always reminds me to stay focused and not let outside distractions get to me." 

4. Can you walk us through your preparation from film study to practice that allows you to dominate the ground game? 
"All of that film, study, practice, meetings… all the work I put in during the week prepares me for Saturday. Once Saturday comes, it’s go time." 

5. What’s one play or moment this season that best represents who you are as a player? 
"It has to be my play at Miles. I jumped over one player, pushed the next player down, and scored the touchdown. It was fire." 

6. Describe the chemistry between the offense, defense, and special teams. How do you all feed off each other during games? 
"This team is amazing. We are so much closer. We talk every day, not just about football but about life. There are no egos; everyone is a leader. We have a brotherhood." 

7. When you see your name at the top of the national leaderboard, does that motivate you or do you focus more on team goals? 
"Honestly, I don’t read that stuff. My family calls and tells me, but it’s not a surprise to me. I believe in God, and He made a promise to me if I kept my end of the promise. I’ve been working hard since my last game last year, workouts, eating habits, and studying. I’ve been putting in the work. This is all a part of God’s destiny." 

8. What do you hope younger athletes watching you take away from your journey? 
"Don’t count your reps, make your reps count. Make the most out of every opportunity. You never know when your name is going to be called, so be ready." 

9. When your football career at VUU is over, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave? 
"The Quiet Storm; powerful but humble. The laid-back, cool, mature kid." 

10. What’s the energy like in practice this week as you prepare for the upcoming game? 
"It’s still the same mindset: one game at a time, PLAY411. But wait, no, I want this one to be my best." 

Coach’s Corner — Coach Parker on Curtis Allen 

"This young man is selfless. He focuses on the team. He understands PLAY411. He is a part of a group that figures out their own identity, not just a team with talent, but one that pays attention to detail and comes to work. He is a leader who believes strongly in community. Curtis Allen has earned the right to everything he’s receiving. Everyone knows we run the ball and that’s no secret, but he’s still getting yards, and plenty of them, all while only playing three quarters most games. We rest him most 4th quarters. The numbers don’t lie. He has earned this.  

Let’s not forget he was still Top 5 before this season playing behind an All American, but what stands out is that he waited his turn and stayed patient. In an era where everyone’s hitting the transfer portal, Curtis stuck around, waited his turn, and kept working. Now, he’s proving what happens when you trust the process. 

He’s going to be the first HBCU player to win the Harlon Hill Trophy, an award given to the most valuable player in Division II football. Bring that trophy home to Richmond. Curtis is a true leader, both on and off the field, and we couldn’t be prouder.”