Penn State QB coach Danny O'Brien on his role, his passers' development, and more: Takeaways

Penn State head coach James Franklin has long-standing relationships with many of his current coaching staff members. However, few have known franklin for as long as his quarterbacks coach has, and even fewer can say they were both recruited by, played under, and now work for the 11th-year leader of the Lions. But, Danny O’Brien can. The analyst turned graduate assistant turned analyst again moved into his current role as the leader of the Lions’ quarterbacks room this offseason when an NCAA rule change allowed analysts to have practice field and game day roles just like the on-field staff. He’s received strong reviews from Franklin, who had him at Maryland and brought him to PSU in 2021, other assistants, and his players alike for his work in a role he seemed to be destined for.

“[It happened] kind of organically,” O’Brien said of moving from analyst to quarterbacks coach. “The rule changed, and when it became an option, and something format-wise [offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki] wanted to do, it timed up with the rule change. So, seizing that opportunity. I’m super grateful and excited to take on that challenge and run the room by myself.

“It’s been super gratifying. Starting out as an analyst and helping where you can, and now being here, is super gratifying. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to coach these guys. They’re so easy to coach because they want to be great. They’re all pushing each other, highly competitive, but respect each other. It’s an honor to lead this room day to day and help guide them.”

Blue-White Illustrated subscribers can read a full recap of O’Brien’s news conference here!

O’Brien, who once lived in Franklin’s guest room, said it was the nicest place he’s ever lived and added he’d give it a five-star review if it was an AIRBNB. The pair have a tight bond.

“Obviously I met him when I was 16 and I’m 34 so I’ve known him for over half my life,” O’Brien said. “He’s super consistent. The same guy now as he was when he recruited me. Very demanding, loves ball, great person to coach for and play for.”

Penn State QB coach Danny O’Brien breaks down his passers

Here’s what he said about each of them:

On the most obvious way Drew Allar has grown:

“The biggest one, having a year under his belt and being the starter here, is he’s feeling his presence on the field,” O’Brien said. “Our mantra is being the thermostat on the team. Through the first three quarters of the season he’s done a really good job of that. It’s been fun to watch his evolution there.”

On Allar’s improvements when it comes to bouncing back from negatives

“I think just his mental toughness, and that’s kind of what I was alluding to, how he’s responded to the times of adversity and being able to snap back and keep rolling. There are going to be times in every game where things don’t go as planned. How we respond defines us. He’s been awesome with that. Moving forward, learning from it, and getting back in the saddle, and you saw that last week.”

On Allar and Penn State freshmen Ethan Grunkemeyer’s arm talent:

“I’d put both their arm talent in the elite category, both from, a lot of people think of it just as strength, but his ability to layer the ball, touch off, and throw at all three levels, it’s elite,” O’Brien said. “Grunk is hungry. He can spin that thing. We got a really good room in that way. I’m very lucky.”

More: Which Penn State freshmen are ready for bigger roles over the final three weeks?: Redshirt report

On Beau Pribula’s improvement as a thrower:

“That’s probably been his biggest area of growth. Always been a talented passer. Our offseason focus with him, we knew the threat of his legs but did not want to lean on them too much. When the opportunity presents itself, it’s part of his game, but you saw at Wisconsin his ability to run and throw the ball. He’s made tremendous strides to do it. He can hurt you from the pocket. I’m very proud of that growth. And it’s been the biggest change from last year to this year.”

On second-year QB Jaxon Smolik, who is recovering from an injury

“Jaxon’s had as good of a rehab as you can,” O’Brien said. “He knows the game plan inside and out. Is doing everything he can at a high level. Excited for him to get back whenever the time is right. He’s done a really good job with [preparing] and that’s going to allow him to hit the ground running when he is full-go again.”