James Franklin outlines plan to keep Beau Pribula ‘involved’ in Penn State football offense

Heading into the 2024 season, a question was on the minds of many within the Penn State football community. What role would QB Beau Pribula play for the Nittany Lions in 2024? On Saturday we got a glimpse at that role as Pribula rotated in on various plays throughout the game. On Monday, James Franklin explained the impact of Pribula and the plan moving forward.

When Beau Pribula takes off with the football in his hands anything can happen. That’s why it’s next to impossible to keep him on the sidelines for four quarters. New, Penn State football offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki recognized that and made sure to keep Pribula involved on Saturday against West Virginia.

On Monday, James Franklin outlined how important it is to keep Pribula involved with the gameplan and the element he brings to the Nittany Lions in 2024.

“Yeah, I think it’s a real positive for us, because although Drew [Allar] obviously is showing he can make plays with his feet, Beau has that ability maybe at a little bit different level and a little bit more of a playmaker,” James Franklin stated. “So, being able to get him on the field and really challenge the defense.

“We have a ton of different ways we’re going to be able to do that with both of them on the field or just Beau on the field, and ways that we can take advantage of it and just pure runs, pure passes; and then some of the things we can do with Beau in the game as a runner, Beau in the game as a receiver, Beau in the game in a lot of different ways. Being able to each week add to that package so that the defense can’t put you into a package when he comes on the field.

“If Drew is on the sideline and Beau comes in, they’re able to do to a true Wildcat package. For us, just like we did last year, we want to try to build as much around this that they can’t do that. Even the throw late that we talked about to Tyler Warren, that causes some issues if you want to put him into a Wildcat package mentality.

“All of those things are important. Want to be able to use him throughout the game. I think I mentioned to you guys after the game that was the approach in the play to get started right away, get him involved as soon as possible and felt good about the concept. Want to continue to do that. Want to make sure, like I already mentioned, it’s not the same things you’re seeing out of him each week.”

How did Pribula do against West Virginia?

Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Beau Pribula was in and out of the lineup on Saturday. We saw multiple sets where Pribula didn’t sub in for Drew Allar but instead, Allar stayed on the field as a wide receiver.

But at the end of the day, Pribula made an impact in the game once again. He accounted for 25 rushing yards and completed his lone pass attempt to Tyler Warren for a 19-yard touchdown pass. With the Nittany Lions facing Bowling Green and Kent State over the next two games, we should see plenty of Pribula on the field.

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