How did Penn State backup quarterback Drew Allar progress this season? A coach, and teammates weigh in

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar will not officially take over the Nittany Lions’ offense until after a Jan. 2 Rose Bowl matchup with No. 8 Utah. However, the current backup to Sean Clifford has been a popular topic of conversation during the regular season, and that did not change at the team’s local bowl media day last week at Beaver Stadium.

“Right now, where he’s at, he’s really come along very well,” offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich said. “And, we’re just continuing to press on the little things, the things that are controllable in the film room. Identifications, continuing to press on the protections, and the basics of quarterback play, and to test and to see the things that he doesn’t know or doesn’t understand, and try to find that threshold and continue to evaluate those things.

“He’s come a long way.”

Allar played in nine of 12 regular season games. He completed 35 of 59 passes for 344 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. He received more first-team work early in the Penn State bowl practices but will eventually give way to Clifford once preparation for the Utes kicks into overdrive.

“It’s a great opportunity for the young guys to get more reps, but as we get closer and closer to really trying to get the Utah game plan going, it’s going to be a lot like it was in the middle of season, [and] throughout the season,” Yurcich said.

“Sean will get the majority of reps with the ones. There’ll be some opportunity for Drew to get some reps with the ones as well. But, we’ve got to get Sean ready to go.”

Penn State players talk about Allar’s development

Numerous Nittany Lions sounded off on Allar’s development last Friday.

“I think that Drew and Beau [Pribula], they both have a lot to offer,” Clifford siad. “Drew’s obviously gotten the reps in the games. And, I think that’s been pivotal for him, is taking those reps. The way that we’ve beaten some of the teams to be able to get him in the game and get him significant playing time, in my opinion, has been crucial. And I think that he’s not taking it lightly, no matter what the situation [is], whether it be coming in the back end of fourth quarter or having really like a whole half. We talked about that with the staff and myself, and I was all for that development, because I know how important it is.

“He’s come a long way. He’s got a lot to learn still. But, he’s he’s a sponge. And same with Beau. I think that his development throughout this whole year has been special. I think he’s been kind of pushed into the backburner in a lot of people’s eyes. But, he’s somebody who is as competitive as I am.”

Center Juice Scruggs recalled a throw Allar made in practice that he would later mimic for a touchdown toss to Harrison Wallace III in the Lions’ win over Indiana.

The future is bright

Drew Allar ➡️ Harrison Wallace pic.twitter.com/w0eWtHNFjN

— Alex Rocco (@AlexRocco13_) November 6, 2022

“He did that same throw one time, I think it was a few weeks before that,” Scruggs said. “I looked around like after he did it, and nobody was making a big deal about it. Because I stand behind them with the quarterbacks. And, I was just like, was not a good throw, and Beau is like, ‘yeah, that’s a pretty good throw.” And I was like ‘yeah, He got it. So he made that play before the Indiana game. And, I was astounded.”

Corner Kalen King has seen his first-year teammate take strong strides between his arrival on campus and now, as well.

“Drew is a very talented guy,” King said. “Ever since he came on campus, everybody saw the talent in Drew. He’s got great arm talent. He’s very smart; he’s a very quiet, humble kid, but I feel like he definitely has what it takes to lead the program in the right direction.”

Allar may play in the Rose Bowl. Or, he may not. Either way, the reigns will soon be his. And, the hype train is ready to leave the station for the future Penn State quarterback and the Lions’ 2023 offense as a whole.