At the 2023 Big Ten Media Day, Penn State head coach James Franklin spoke to the press, just as all the coaches did. A big topic of discussion was the 2023 Penn State quarterback position. While the media and fans believe Drew Allar will be the starter, that may not be the case. The Nittany Lions have another quarterback on the roster, Beau Pribula, who can make the team compete in the Big Ten. The Penn State quarterback state is currently in the competition faze. Here is a look at the two quarterbacks ahead of 2023.
James Franklin’s Statements Regarding the Penn State Quarterbacks
As James Franklin began his discussion on each position, of course, who the 2023 Penn State quarterback would be came up. Instead of naming a starter, he made it very clear that there is still a question about who will get that starting position. The two will have to compete throughout training camp before Franklin makes his decision. There has definitely been excitement over Allar since the young quarterback announced his commitment to the Penn State Nittany Lions. Franklin fully acknowledged that but made it clear Allar would not be handed the role.
Penn State QB Beau Pribula (9) – Matthew OHaren/USA TODAY Sports
Every year, as Franklin emphasized, there is a quarterback competition. He will not just hand the role to the player. But this is the first time in a while that there have been true questions heading into the season. Allar has experience, but Franklin spoke highly of Pribula. At the end of the 2022 season, Pribula made it clear that he will compete for this starting role. The head coach does plan on making the decision on the sooner side, which would benefit the team as a whole.
At the end of the day, Franklin needs to wait for training camp to start so he has the chance to watch the two players truly compete for the spot. He, and his staff, plan to grade every part of these players. In the end, he knows he has to go with his gut feeling and back that feeling up with the data they gain.
Drew Allar
Penn State QB Drew Allar (15) – Barry Reeger/AP Photo
Allar does have the most experience of the two Penn State quarterbacks. When the Nittany Lions were up by enough points in 2022, Allar would take over for Sean Clifford. This definitely will benefit him heading into the 2023 season. Allar played in ten games in 2022. He had 35 completions for 344 yards and four touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Allar also rushed the ball 18 times for 52 yards and one rushing touchdown. This is definitely an experience that Allar can use ahead of the 2023 season.
Allar was a five-star recruit when he committed to Penn State. He was the number one quarterback and the excitement from the fans is still felt. His recruitment comparison was Josh Allen, and right away, fans thought he could become one of the best Penn State quarterbacks ever. Of course, this is all projections, but there is still that possibility.
Beau Pribula
Penn State QB Beau Pribula (9) – Scott Taetsch/Getty Image
Pribula is extremely unknown to the fans. Franklin heavily praised the young quarterback and emphasized the respect he has earned. Pribula was recruited with the class of 2022, but as known, he did not play in any games in 2022. With Clifford now with the Greenbay Packers, he knows that his opportunity has arrived.
The best way to judge Pribula as a spectator, not a coach, is to look back at the 2022 Penn State Blue-White Game. The young quarterback demonstrated his ability to run out of the pocket. He went against the first-team defense that day, and his offensive line let the defense get through. Pribula getting away from the pass rush is key for his evaluation. In that game, he also had a big touchdown pass to Omari Evans. Franklin truly may not be lying when he said that the Penn State quarterback spot is in the competition faze.
The 2023 Penn State season will begin under the lights at home against West Virginia on September 2nd. Whoever gets that starting role will have to be at their best right away so Penn State can start off 1-0. The next step is for training camp to begin and then for James Franklin to name the 2023 starting Penn State quarterback.
