WATCH: Chemistry growing between Drew Allar, Penn State wide receivers

Expectations are at a fever pitch for Penn State football heading into the 2023 season. However, the Nittany Lions still have several questions heading into the second week of fall camp, primarily centered on the passing game. From a new starting quarterback to a revamped rotation out wide, the Penn State aerial attack will look much different in 2023 than in 2022. While no one will know the progress of the Nittany Lions’ air game for certain until the thick of the season, clips from practice this week show positive signs for sophomore quarterback Drew Allar and the Penn State wide receivers.

Developing chemistry in the passing game was critical for the Nittany Lions this offseason

While most onlookers believe Drew Allar will be the eventual starter, James Franklin insists that the quarterback competition is still ongoing. On the outside, it’s uncertain which Penn State wide receivers will emerge from the pack to become Allar’s top targets. At this time, many still believe it’s likely a battle between wide receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Dante Cephas for the top slot. At any rate, Allar will need to develop chemistry with all the Penn State wide receivers if he is expected to step into the starter’s role this season.

Drew Allar discussed the importance of this chemistry during Penn State football media day on Sunday. “I would just say, for me personally and as a whole offense, specifically receivers, tight ends, running backs, was just getting down our timing,” Allar said of his areas of emphasis this summer. “We did a lot of tremendous work this offseason, whether it be throwing on our own – just on the air – or organized in 7-on-7’s with the defense…It was very valuable to the whole offense. And I think that was probably the most valuable to every quarterback specifically, because we were able to get ironed out on timing from the spring.”

Offseason work between Drew Allar and Penn State wide receivers appears to be paying off in fall camp

Going into week two of fall camp, the offense’s offseason work appears to be paying dividends. This week, the Big Ten Network’s TV crew visited Happy Valley as part of its annual preseason camp series. BTN’s Dave Revsine posted several videos on his social media that indicate that the chemistry between Drew Allar and the Penn State wide receivers is progressing nicely.

In the first video, Allar is seen hitting KeAndre Lambert-Smith in stride. Although it happened off-camera, it appears that Lambert-Smith had a considerable jump on cornerback Kalen King off the line of scrimmage. While you can’t read too much into one 10-second video, it’s important to emphasize that Allar and the wide receivers are going up against one of the nation’s best defenses and perhaps college football’s top cornerback in Kalen King each day at practice. This undoubtedly will help the Nittany Lions offense throughout the season.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith may end up as #1 option at WR. Will be fascinating to see how Drew Allar looks right out of the gate – can make every throw. Nice to have the run game and defense to lean on. pic.twitter.com/ae1Ee7Mqzf

— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 9, 2023

While the first video was nice, Revsine’s second video has social media abuzz. Here, Allar throws a beautiful ball towards the front pylon. Transfer wide receiver Malik McClain makes an impressive catch over sophomore cornerback Cam Miller.

Not a whole lot of question marks for ⁦@PennStateFball⁩ – but WR room has some holes to fill. Did some nice work in the portal, including former FSU WR Malik McClain pic.twitter.com/70lu6WoFSf

— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 9, 2023

Again, it’s important to emphasize that these videos represent just a tiny segment of preseason camp. But, if they are early indications of what’s to come, the Penn State passing attack could be in good hands heading into the 2023 season.

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