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By Neil Rudel
nrudel@altoonamirror.com
UNIVERSITY PARK -- James Franklin has long believed a mobile quarterback brings a needed component to an offense, especially when the designed passing play breaks down.
Even when the quarterback in question, returning starter Drew Allar, would never be confused as a runner.
"Some of these things systematically we are going to do, you guys are going to look at and say, 'I don't know if that's something I would imagine Drew doing,''' Franklin said during media day on Saturday. "But by him doing just enough of it, it opens up and creates opportunities for other things in our offense and makes us difficult to defend."
To gain alignment, Franklin said Allar has "been able to lean into (quarterbacks coach) Danny (O'Brien) and (offensive coordinator) Andy (Kotelnicki)."
Part of that is dropping 10 pounds, which Allar did since the spring and is now playing "in the low 230s" rather than the 242 he was listed at last year.
"I've never had an issue with running the ball," Allar said. "Playing at a lighter weight was one of my goals and helps me move around in the pocket better. I'm just trying to improve my comfortability with what they're asking me to do."
Most of the 74 times Allar ran last year came in the form of scrambles while under pressure, including a season-high 10 times against Michigan.
"There are a couple things they're asking me to do which I've not typically done," Allar said. "(But) With Coach K's background, I'm excited to do it and help the offense out and create more one-on-one matchups."
Returning backup Beau Pribula, a York product, is more of a run-first quarterback. He rushed for 329 yards and six touchdowns last year.
Franklin said, "When you watch the Kansas film from the last two years, Beau was pretty excited. But when you look at over 19 years (of Kotelnicki's offense), Buffalo, different types of quarterbacks, and just the overall knowledge of offense, there's a reason for all those guys in that room to be excited."
"This offense is a little bit different from the last offense, in terms of terminology and verbiage," Pribula, a redshirt sophomore, said. "You guys will understand once you see us play about how many different things we can do and how many different looks we can give a defense."
Incoming freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer -- who, like Allar, is an Ohio native -- "is really doing some nice things," Franklin said. "We think he's got a very, very bright future and has really taken a step."
Redshirt freshman Jaxon Smolik of Iowa missed the Blue-White Game and remains out with an injury, but he has been "really impressive in terms of what he's been able to do mentally."
Rounding out the QB room is North Carolina redshirt freshman walk-on Jack Lambert, no relation to the former Pittsburgh Steeler legend.
But the success of the season rests on Allar's shoulders, even more than his legs. Projected as a possible first-round draft pick, the junior posted an impressive 25-2 touchdown interception-ratio in 2023, his first year as a starter when he completed 59.9% of his throws for 2,631 yards.
The downside was his yards per completion of 11.2 ranked 70th among the nation's top 100 quarterbacks, and the Nittany Lions' lack of ability or willingness to take shots downfield became a national story and contributed to the firing of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich.
"We talk about the three most important stats being turnover battle, explosive plays and scoring," Allar said. "We did a good job taking care of the ball, but the explosive plays weren't where we've wanted them to be. We've tried to be more intentional at trying to be successful at more explosive plays. It's more than chucking the football downfield, but we have to earn the right to throw it downfield."
Allar said communication between position groups has increased during the offseason.
He said points of emphasis have included expectations against man-to-man coverage, timing, overall separation, third downs and "the crucial parts of the game."
"We have to win those matchups and make contested catches," he said. "That increases trust."
As Allar answered questions, it was clear in the expansiveness of his comments that he's embracing leadership.
"One of the best things we've done with Coach K is about developing leadership in the spring and now we're enabling leaders -- not only for me but a bunch of other guys," he said. "Being comfortable with public speaking and talking in front of your peers and teammates and telling them about what needs to be said. There's more presence of leadership and vocal leadership. It's been really fun to learn, and I'm really excited about the progress we've made. I feel a lot more comfortable going into this year compared with last year."