The official decision on who will be Penn State’s starting quarterback to begin 2023 has not been made. An announcement likely won’t come until late summer, after the Lions’ August practice sessions have started.
As of now it’s still a competition between second-year throwers Drew Allar and Beau Pribula. Both should see plenty of work in Penn State’s April 15 Blue-White scrimmage at Beaver Stadium, as will freshman Jaxon Smolik.
Franklin was asked Tuesday how long the battle between Allar and Pribula will continue.
“Until it’s obvious and been decided,” Franklin said.
Allar, who appeared in 10 games in 2022 as the backup to Sean Clifford, entered Penn State’s offseason as the guy to beat out.
“As you know, we are going to have to put somebody out there first (at quarterback). Based on how the season ended and Drew’s role last year, then that would be him,” Franklin said back in early February.
Allar threw for 344 yards and four touchdowns in 2022.
“I think every position is open,” he said. “There’s no starters whatsoever until West Virginia comes in (Sept. 2). I think everybody has that mindset. We’re competing against each other, but we’re doing it the right way. We’re also helping each other at the same time.”
Franklin believes Allar and Pribula have shown progress since the start of spring.
Allar said he is a different player from the one that enrolled early a little more than a year ago. How quickly Allar and Pribula can build chemistry with a Penn State wideout room led by veteran KeAndre Lambert-Smith will be one of the keys to the season.
“I’m definitely a lot more comfortable,” Allar said.
“I think that just comes with … being in the offense for the second year in a row. I’m definitely a lot more familiar with everything, the checks that we want to get into, all that sort of stuff.
“I’m more comfortable with the run game, pass game protections, all that. I think everything, in general, has slowed down for me, just from experience.”
Lambert-Smith and third-year Lion Harrison Wallace III have emerged as the top two receivers participating in spring practices.
Lambert-Smith produced 124 receiving yards and a touchdown in PSU’s Rose Bowl win over Utah. Kent State transfer Dante Cephas is expected to join the wideout group prior to August workouts.
Said Allar of Lambert-Smith: “He’s had a great spring so far, and so has that whole receiver room. So I’m really excited about the future with them and getting to the summer, finishing spring strong with them but getting to the summer and really grinding the little details with them.”
