As of the end of last season, it didnโt look like Jaxon Smolik would be Penn Stateโs second string quarterback.
No, it seemed that Ethan Grunkemeyer had that job on lock.
After all, it was Grunkemeyer, not Smolik, who was the teamโs third-string QB behind Drew Allar and Beau Pribula.
When Pribula entered the transfer portal before the teamโs College Football Playoff run, it was Grunkemeyer, not Smolik, who was elevated into the backup role.
Before spring practice, there was no reason to think that Grunkemeyer would lose his role.
But after Smolikโs spring performance, he just might.
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 213 pounds
Hometown: Van Meter, Iowa
Before Penn State: Jaxon Smolik was perhaps the best story in Penn Stateโs 2023 recruiting class. When Florida prospect Marcus Stokes committed to Penn State in April 2022, it looked like the school had its โ23 QB. But then, things changed. Stokes flipped to Florida in July, and Smolik was one of the top performers at the previous monthโs Elite 11 showcase. With Penn State and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mike Yurcich suddenly on the hunt for a QB, Smolikโ who missed most of his junior season with an injuryโ became a person of interest. Smolik had been committed to Tulane, but de-committed in August and announced his commitment to Penn State the next day. After a successful senior season that ended with a trip to the state semifinals, the three-star from Iowaโs Dowling Catholic High School signed with Penn State in December.
2023: Smolik redshirted his first season, appearing against Delaware Week 2.
Last year:ย Smolik didnโt play at all last season and didnโt practice too much, either. This was because of a significant injury he suffered during spring practice. As a result, Grunkemeyer leapfrogged him by default.
Where he stands:ย Coach James Franklin made it clear early in spring camp that the QB2 position was up for grabs. He also made it clear that he liked what he saw from Smolik. Penn State fans got to see Smolik at the Blue-White Game, and those who did seeโ which wasnโt too many people since the game wasnโt televisedโ liked what they saw.
So weโll see who Allarโs No. 1 backup is. It might just be Smolik.
A quote by Smolik: โI believed in myself, I knew I could get the offense down, and I knew that if somebody went down I could be the next guy to go in and help our team win the game.โย โ Smolik to reporters at Penn Stateโs second-year player media availability in February 2024.
A quote about Smolik:ย โYeah, Jaxson has done a heck of a job. We didnโt really know, coming off injury, where he would be,โ Franklin said. โI thought Jackson would come off the injury a little rusty. He has not been.โ โ James Franklin
