James Franklin: Penn State football QB Beau Pribula ‘needs to have a role’ in 2024

It’s no secret that the 2023 season taught all Penn State football fans something. Which is, that QB Beau Pribula has the talent to lead the offense and can add a dynamic element with his ability to be a dual threat with his legs. But what benefits Pribula the most this offseason is the addition of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki as Pribula fits his system well. James Franklin confirmed at Big Ten Media Days that the Nittany Lions need to ensure that Pribula has a role in the offense this fall.

When the Penn State football team takes their first offensive series on August 31, Drew Allar will likely be the quarterback. Penn State fans also want backup quarterback Beau Pribula on the field throughout the games as well. At Big Ten Media Days Joe Smeltzer of Nittany Sports Now asked James Franklin about the role will Pribula serve in 2024.

“…You look at the last two games of last year that changed dramatically. Explosive plays changed dramatically and touches for guys changed. That’s something that I think is football 101, but a lot of times mistakes are made there for whatever reason. So, that’s a focus that me and Andy [Kotelnicki] spent a lot of time talking about in the offseason.

“Andy’s done enough things as an offensive coordinator after 19 years that he’s able to play to the strengths of his personnel. If you’re looking specifically to Kansas, Beau [Pribula] is probably more similar to the guys that he had at Kansas. I remember talking very early with Drew [Allar] about that.

…[Beau Pribula] will have a role, he needs to have a role. He had a role last year. He’s competing for the job as well but he’s going to need to be a part of what we do either way however this camp plays out.”

Pribula and Allar will need to continue to mentor Ethan Grunkemeyer

Syndication: York Daily Record

On Wednesday, Tyler Donohue of Lions247 shared an update from James Franklin about redshirt freshman QB Jaxon Smolik.

He indicated that Smolik is “working through his recovery process.” He also added that this will “impact his availability for preseason camp.”

Following the 2024 Blue White Game, we caught up with Beau Pribula and asked him about his relationship with freshman QB Ethan Grunkemeyer who will continue to see an expanded role as QB3 with Smolik continues to deal with his injury.

“Whenever you’re an early enrollee it’s definitely tough when you first get here, a lot of new changes. When Drew [Allar] and I can take him under our wing I think that’s really good. As far as working on our leadership and just helping him out too.”

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