Jaxon Smolik injury update: What's the latest on the Penn State quarterback?
Penn State lost third-string quarterback Jaxon Smolik to a long-term injury earlier this year. The second-year Nittany Lion from West Des Moines, Iowa, suffered an undisclosed setback midway through spring practice. However, fans and media members at West Virginia that he was on the travel roster for the opener. And, he gone through pregame work ever since. What’s the latest on his status as the team prepares to take on Illinois on Saturday in primetime on NBC at Beaver Stadium?
“Jaxon is able to do only what you have seen so far,” Franklin said. “He’s been cleared to throw pat and gos in pregame. So that’s just kind of where he’s at.”
It’s unclear if the signal caller will be cleared to return to the game field this season. While he is sidelined, true freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has moved up to the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind starter Drew Allar and backup Beau Pribula. Many thought the Lewis Center, Ohio native might see time during Penn State’s 56-0 blowout win over Kent State last weekend. It was a consideration, Franklin said. But, the Lions opted to go a different direction. That left No. 17 on the sideline for the duration of the contest. Allar left the contest after his 46th and final snap resulted in a third quarter touchdown pass. Pribula handled things from there, finishing with 48 snaps.
More: Penn State-Illinois matchups: Who will have the edge Saturday at Beaver Stadium?
“Grunk has done some really nice things,” Franklin said. “Obviously, he’s been able to get a ton of reps. Kind of like what Jaxon was able to get last year. And, he’s done a really nice job with it. He throws the ball extremely well. He’s mobile. He’s really learning this stuff. And I think both Drew and Beau have done a great job of taking them under their wing and teaching them what it takes to be successful at this level.
“There were some conversations about getting [Grunkemeyer] in the game. But, there’s also the aspect of, we want to make sure Beau is getting as many reps as possible. These conversations are kind of ongoing. But, we’re very, very happy with Grunk, and we can’t wait to get Jaxon back.”
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