Is Penn State quarterback Drew Allar already a reclamation project?

Penn State head coach James Franklin bristled at the question when it was asked earlier this year. In fact, he’d been asked the question in several ways towards the end of the 2023 regular season. Based on his play, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar’s confidence on the field seemed to wax and wane week to week. One week, he’d look skittish in the pocket; the next, he’d throw for 300 yards against Maryland.  So, did Franklin think that his quarterback was playing with confidence? “Yeah, I think he’s been confident each week. I think his numbers back that up. His numbers are really good.” “Has there been times where he hasn’t been in rhythm? Yes. Has there been times where he’s missed some throws that he would like to have back? Yes. Has there been times where we didn’t protect him as well as we should have? Yes. Sometimes we didn’t create enough separation in the passing game, whether it’s tight end or receiver or running back? Yes.” Whether you call it “rhythm” or you call it “confidence” Allar didn’t have it against Ole Miss in the 2023 Peach Bowl. Critics will say that Allar is 0-3 in big games this year and looked bad doing it.  Heading into the final game of the season, Franklin still saw the potential in his first-year starter. “But those same conversations he’ll be having the rest of his career, and we’ll be having the rest of his career. In terms of his confidence during the week, yes. His confidence on Saturday? Yes. But there is definitely -- the exciting thing to me I think there is a ton of room for improvement with him and with us.” For the rest of the Penn State community, the same level of confidence in Allar doesn’t exist. So there’s a new question: is he already a reclamation project for new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelinicki?