Penn State QB Drew Allar looks back on his freshman season
As Penn State’s 2022 season comes to an end Monday at the Rose Bowl, regardless of how the game turns out, Nittany Lion fans have a lot to look forward to next season. There are a lot of reasons for that, but if you polled most fans, quarterback Drew Allar would be the main reason why.
A former five-star player, Allar played in nine games this season, totaling 344 yards passing and four touchdowns. With quarterback Sean Clifford playing in his last game Monday, all eyes will turn to Allar next spring.
After arriving on campus last spring, Allar beat out Christian Veilleux for the backup job in the fall. His first game experience came unexpectedly against Purdue in the season opener.
“It was definitely a surreal experience to be able to go in that type of game because it was so close at that point,” Allar said. “I think it just really benefited me and just how much experience I gained from that. I’m just super glad I was able to have these opportunities here.”
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Allar had arguably his best performance the following week against Ohio, completing six of eight attempts for 88 yards and two scores. His game against Indiana later in the season – 9 for 12, 75 yards and two touchdowns – was also big for his confidence. He pointed back to his decision to enroll at Penn State a few months early as a significant reason why.
“I would say spring ball really helped me the most just because, coming right out of high school, it’s definitely a lot different than high school. The game moves so much faster. Decisions have to be a half-second earlier,” Allar said.
“So, I think spring and summer really helped me just because of how many practice reps I was able to get and just throwing to the receivers every week really helped me adjust to this new game. I think, by the time training camp came around, I was pretty happy [how I adjusted] to the speed of the game.”
Working with Clifford and Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, Allar said he took a lot away from those meetings and film sessions.
“I would just say my general football IQ, just because I like learning about the game. I’m always in the film room with everybody,” Allar said. “I would just say general football IQ and protections. In high school, I knew what was going on up there, but here was the first time I really had to direct everything, so I feel like I really grew in that aspect.”
Yurcich added that he’s very happy with Allar’s development.
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“We’re very fortunate. It’s a pretty good situation really, when you think about how it all unfolded,” Yurcich said. “No interceptions in the season. It’s good. I think he’s got confidence. He’s continuing to learn. It’s like trade school. He’s able to learn from a master craftsman in Sean. It’s a damn good situation. So it’s very fortunate and can’t complain. It’s turned out very well.”
It’s unclear how much Allar will play in Monday’s Rose Bowl. However, he’s already made it clear that he’s aware of the expectations moving forward and wants to embrace the challenge.
“Nobody has higher expectations for me than myself, just because I have a lot of goals and aspirations I want to achieve throughout my life, Allar said. “I’m just super excited that I came here. I feel like this place will really help all of us achieve our goals and aspirations.”
