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Former Penn State QB Michael Robinson is 'expecting a big year' out of expected Lions starter Drew Allar

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•07/27/23•

GregPickel

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Former Penn State quarterback and NBC analyst Michael Robinson speaks at Big Ten Media Days. (Pickel/BWI)

INDIANAPOLIS — Former Penn State quarterback Michael Robinson announced Drew Allar as the newest Nittany Lions back on the early signing day for the Class of 2022. In other words, the new NBC analyst is plenty familiar with the sophomore who is expected to step into a role he once had himself: Starting quarterback at Penn State.

Robinson is expecting a big year out of the Medina, Ohio native and former five-star, he said at Big Ten Media Days. So are plenty of other people. But Robinson, who was the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 as a Lions passer before winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks as a fullback, has a better read than most on why Allar is capable of taking Penn State to new heights, if has not yet been named the starter.

“The backup quarterback is always the most popular one,” Robinson joked to start his scouting report. “I’ve told Drew that. So he understands exactly what he’s getting into. To be the quarterback at Penn State is special. There’s something a little bit different. I think it was huge for Drew last year to get some game time and to be able to get into games. I wanted to see him move a little bit, I know he’s not a runner.

“But I think I saw enough movement ability out of him where he can get himself out of trouble. And what I love about him is he stays a passer when he does move. Drew is not going to run 80 yards for a touchdown. I think he wants to, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. But he stays a passer. And, he has a big, strong arm and can hit anywhere on the football field.”

Robinson believes Penn State can be special with Allar at the helm

Penn State is a top-five program by some and a top 10 program by all entering the 2023 season. While speaking about Allar, Robinson outlined all the reasons why the Lions have a chance to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

“I’m expecting a big year out of Drew,” Robinson said. “Offensive line is solid, defense is returning a lot of starters who are solid. And, they have a run game behind the offensive line. So I don’t think they’re going to be asking him to win the games with his arm, which is a good thing to say, when you’re at the quarterback position. So yeah, I’m expecting a big year him as long as he can not turn the football over, I think he’ll be fine.”

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