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Quarterbacks
(Eighth in a series of Penn State position previews.)
Returning starter: There isn't one, but within a week of training camp opening, James Franklin confirmed Drew Allar has been getting the majority of first-team reps, solidifying the obvious - that last year's backup will be this year's starter.
Key losses: Sean Clifford, whose longevity as a four-year starter allowed him to leave Penn State as the Lions' all-time leading passer.
Keep an eye on: Allar, a five-star prospect who is the highest rated QB Franklin has signed. He showed poise as a true freshman, especially in the season opener at Purdue, and wound up completing 35 of 60 (58%) for 344 yards, four TDs and no interceptions. At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds with a big arm, he's the most anticipated PSU quarterback in many years.
Statistically speaking: As underappreciated as Clifford was (mainly due to his 0-4 record vs. Ohio State), the Lions were second in the league last year in passing yards per game (252) and TD passes (29) to the Buckeyes.
Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich: "I got the best job in the country. They (QBs) are unbelievable people from unbelievable families who were raised the right way. They all want to compete, and they all understand the team concept."
FYI: True freshman Karson Kiesewetter, an invited walk-on from Bishop Guilfoyle, is listed as fifth on the depth chart behind fellow frosh Jack Lambert. Kiesewetter's number is 17.
What to expect: Allar is going to start but the backup may not be as clear. Though Franklin has talked him up, it didn't take long for Beau Pribula to fall out of the conversation for the potential starter. Meanwhile, Franklin said freshman Jaxon Smolik was "the surprise of camp," even though camp was only a few days old. A priority will be keeping Allar healthy as neither backup has taken a snap in a game.
FRIDAY: Special teams
-- Neil Rudel