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3 thoughts on the newest Penn State football quarterback commitment

Here are some thoughts on the Nittany Lions’ most recent recruiting win.

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Penn State football, Ethan Grunkemeyer
Jan 1, 2022; Tampa, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) rushes with the ball during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the 2022 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State football made a significant addition to their 2024 recruiting class today with the commitment of a new quarterback. After an extensive search and dedicated efforts on the recruiting trail, the Nittany Lions have finally secured their quarterback. While the name may not have been on the radar of many fans, the arrival of Ethan Grunkemeyer, a composite three-star QB, brings substantial potential to James Franklin’s program, making him one of the more underrated recruits in the 2024 class.

With this exciting development, here are three initial thoughts on the newest Penn State football quarterback commitment.

Who is the newest Penn State football quarterback commitment?

Ethan Grunkemeyer, a three-star quarterback as per the ON3 Rankings, is primed for the upcoming 2024 season. He holds the No. 23 spot among quarterbacks in his class and is recognized as the No. 13 recruit in Ohio.

Today marked a significant development as Grunkemeyer committed to Penn State, becoming the 14th player to join their 2024 class. His commitment addresses a crucial need for the Nittany Lions at the quarterback position. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing over 190 pounds, Grunkemeyer possesses an ideal physique, setting him apart from some of the other quarterback prospects pursued by Penn State football in this class.

Thought 1: His arm talent is above average

Upon watching Grunkemeyer’s tape, it becomes evident right from the start that he possesses a strong arm. Currently, Penn State football boasts a strong-armed QB in Drew Allar. However, it is worth noting that throughout the James Franklin era, the Nittany Lions have not typically had starting quarterbacks known for their exceptional arm strength. While both Trace McSorley and Sean Clifford were talented quarterbacks, their unique qualities did not primarily stem from their arm talent.

Given that Grunkemeyer trains with the same QB coach as Drew Allar, fans can expect to witness some striking similarities between these two quarterbacks.

Thought 2: Happy with Grunkemeyer, disappointed with a few whiffs

There’s no reason for fans to be upset about landing Grunkemeyer. He is a highly talented player with immense potential and will be a valuable addition to the 2024 class. However, some fans may feel disappointed for a different reason: Penn State football once again missed out on securing some of the nation’s top talents.

Just a month ago, it appeared highly likely that Michael Van Buren would become a Nittany Lion. However, he is now on the verge of announcing his commitment, and the Oregon Ducks are currently favored to secure his services. Grunkemeyer’s commitment strongly suggests that Van Buren lost interest in Penn State, which is disappointing to witness.

Let me reiterate that Ethan Grunkemeyer is an exciting prospect, and fans should be delighted with his commitment. However, the broader point here is that Penn State football seemed to be on track to land a significant quarterback target but ultimately fell short, which unfortunately feels like a recurring theme for the Nittany Lions.

Thought 3: More Ohio quarterbacks?

The future of Penn State football quarterbacks appears uncertain following the Drew Allar era. However, there are promising candidates vying for the position. If Ethan Grunkemeyer eventually assumes the role as Penn State’s quarterback, it would extend the streak of Ohio quarterbacks in Happy Valley.

For the fifth consecutive season, an Ohio native will lead the Penn State Nittany Lions’ offense. Sean Clifford, who held the position from 2019 to 2022, will be departing, making way for former Ohio five-star recruit Drew Allar, a sophomore, to take over.

Should Grunkemeyer succeed Allar in 2024 or 2025, Penn State football could enjoy a stretch of 7-9 years with a quarterback hailing from the Buckeye state. While this trend may not directly impact on-field results, it’s an interesting observation that adds a touch of excitement to the program.



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Chris, a Penn State University student, founded Basic Blues Nation in 2022. He remains a co-owner of the website today. Throughout a six-year writing career, Chris has been a beat writer, a staff writer, an Editor-In Chief, and more, serving as a member of the credentialed media for a number of Big Ten schools. He has covered everything from non-revenue sports to CFP National Championship matchups, as well as some professional and high school sports.

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