James Franklin shares Penn State football team’s new nickname for ‘explosive’ Drew Allar

Drew Allar led the Penn State football team to its first win of the 2024 season on Saturday. That was due to his ability to command the offense, make the big-time throws, and extend plays with his legs. Allar was able to quiet some off-season criticism that he faced from national media. Following the West Virginia victory, James Franklin revealed his nickname for the Nittany Lion quarterback.

Everyone knows that Allar has the arm talent to make all of the throws a college quarterback needs to make. But an element of his game that was in question with the hire of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki was his ability to use his legs. Against West Virginia, he showed that he can be an effective runner. Allar rushed for 44 yards on six carries on Saturday.

Following his performance, James Franklin revealed a nickname for the Penn State football quarterback.

“We call him Lamar Allar,” Franklin said jokingly. “I thought he ran better than he probably did last year. He dropped around ten pounds. I think he’s done a really good job of the way he’s become more explosive. We always talk like obviously mobility at the quarterback position is important…”

You can watch James Franklin’s full postgame remarks on the Basic Blues Nation YouTube channel.

Penn State football: James Franklin West Virginia postgame press conference

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Penn State football: James Franklin West Virginia postgame press conference

Allar ‘feels faster’ in 2024

Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Following the game, Audrey Snyder of The Atheltic caught up with Drew Allar on his thoughts on his improvement in regards to his mobility.

“I definitely feel faster,” Allar said. “That just comes from training with Coach Losey this offseason and the whole strength staff. I think the best strength staff in the country. You can see that with the development of the young guys who’ve just stepped into the program. I definitely feel faster than I did last year, dropping 7-11 pounds from last season. That’s where I want to be at.”

Allar finished the game completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 216 yards and three touchdown passes.

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