James Franklin made a stunning announcement in his weekly press conference Monday afternoon in Beaver Stadium’s media room.
He’s named touted freshman Drew Allar Penn State’s No. 2 quarterback behind Sean Clifford.
Coming into the press conference, the assumption was that redshirt freshman Christian Veilleux would be the No. 2 starter, having already had a year of experience with Penn State and offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich’s system.
But it’s Allar who will be the one thrust into action should Sean Clifford get injury or otherwise falter Thursday night against Purdue.
Franklin clarified that the fact that Allar is the No. 2 right now doesn’t mean things will stay that way all year. Veilleux also started last season at the No. 3 QB and was Clifford’s top backup by year’s end.
Penn State fans are excited to see what Allar, a five-star who was the No. 1 QB in the nation according to 247Sports, can do, and him being the No. 2 as a true freshman is a good sign for how he’s performed during camp.
Allar finished his senior season at Medina High School in Ohio with 4,433 yards and 48 touchdowns passing with a 60% completion rate.
He also added 415 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, leading Medina to a 13-1 record and a regional championship game appearance.
Allar committed to Penn State before his great senior season, and by the time he signed, any Penn State fan with any interest in recruiting knew his name. 247Sports’ site rankings had Allar as a and the No. 3 overall player from the class of 2022.
Here is an excerpt from 247Sports Midlands Region Recruiting Analyst Gabe Brooks’s scouting report on Allar, posted in January.
“Shows anticipatory feel for the position. Strong production as a junior improved to outstanding during senior season. Only seven interceptions in 514 throws (one in 73.4 attempts) in 2021. May need time to adjust to speed of the game and processing rate at the next level.
