Legendary former Alabama Crimson Tide national title winning head coach Gene Stallings has made an official endorsement of Wes Allen during his run for lieutenant governor ahead of the Republican primary runoffs.

Allen, a Pike County native who played for Stallings at Alabama, as well as his successor Mike DuBose, will take on Trump-endorsed John Wahl for the nomination next month to see who will challenge Democratic candidate Phillip Ensler.

“Wes Allen played wide receiver for me at Alabama and I have stayed in touch with him in the decades since,” Stallings said in his endorsement. “Wes Allen is a fine, Christian, honest man who has proven himself to be a leader who gets results for the people of Alabama. Wes has my full support and I encourage all of my friends in Alabama to get out on June 16 and vote to elect Wes Allen as Lt. Governor.”

The Alabama Secretary of State spoke about his relationship with Coach Stallings as well during the endorsement, and it’s obvious that they share a very close bond.

“There are few people that have made an impact on the lives of as many men as Coach Gene Stallings. He taught me a great deal about discipline, determination and leadership,” Allen said. “The faith he has put in me with this endorsement is incredibly meaningful and humbling.”

Allen played for the Tide from 1996-1998 and earned Academic All-SEC honors during his senior season in 1998. He’s now seeking a new challenge as the Lt. Governor, and time will tell if he gets that opportunity.