Will Penn State football be ready under center in 2023? Drew Allar QB coach talks readiness of young star

Perhaps the most anticlimactic storyline for Penn State football this offseason is the quarterback battle. While James Franklin and the coaching staff have insisted that the competition is wide open, many college football analysts and fans expect to see former five-star prospect Drew Allar take the field for the first snaps against West Virginia. Penn State is no stranger to QB battles that bleed into fall camp. But given the potential stakes this fall, how ready will the Nittany Lions be under center in 2023? In a recent interview, Brad Maendler, Allar’s personal QB coach, discussed the rising sophomore’s progression and preparedness for the season.

Drew Allar QB coach discusses young QB’s development

At this point, many Penn State fans are familiar with Drew Allar QB coach Brad Maendler, who frequently posts videos of Allar’s training habits when he returns home to Ohio for the offseason. Maendler is also the personal coach for QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, who recently committed to Penn State in the 2024 cycle.

Last week, Maendler sat for an interview with Blue-White Illustrated, Penn State’s On3 affiliate. Maendler started by discussing Allar’s personal development this offseason. He said the most significant change he’s seen in Allar since last season is his communication and leadership ability. To Maendler, Allar feels more comfortable and ready to be himself around the team. “You can see in his interactions with the players. There’s a comfort level,” stated Maendler. “He feels like he’s earned the right to be able to do those things because he’s put the work in.”

How has Allar progressed in the Penn State offense?

Of course, the concern with any young starting QB is their ability to fully grasp the system in which they play. However, Brad Maendler believes this won’t be an issue for Penn State regardless of who wins the starting job.

“His command of the offense is fantastic,” Maendler said when asked about Allar’s understanding of the system. “The coaching staff, when I would talk to them, they would always note his ability to retain information was really high-level. When I watched the meetings, Sean Clifford set a very high bar because it was like having a coach in the room. I get that vibe with Drew and Beau [Pribula] as well. Beau and Drew have a really strong grasp of the offense and what Coach Yurcich is trying to do.”

Maendler further explained how critical that understanding of the offense will come the season. If Allar can let instinct take over in terms of scheme, then his decision-making time will rapidly increase. “That part [understanding of the offense] is going to be so important for him as he gets into these challenging and difficult games because it’s all about processing speed and making good decisions,” Maendler expressed. “And I think he’s really ready for those things.”

What is yet to be seen?

According to Maendler, fans will like what they discover about Drew Allar. At several points in the interview, the QB guru applauded Allar’s composure and noted that he looks the part even when things aren’t going his way.

However, Maendler says Allar’s best unknown trait is his playmaking ability. “He has that ability to make things happen when nothing should probably happen because the defense won that play,” Maendler said. “He can make plays. He’s special when things aren’t great or when things break down… that’s really where he comes alive.”

Fair or not, there will be immense pressure on Drew Allar this season if he is the starter. Penn State football has one of its most talented teams in several years in 2023. Many have long felt that a dynamic QB is the one thing holding the Nittany Lions back. Allar has all the potential to be the missing piece for Penn State. And if the pieces come together for Allar this fall, then Penn State could be in for a wild ride.

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