James Franklin says Drew Allar prepares ‘on another level’

Officially through two weeks of the college football season, we’re learning more about this Penn State football team each time it takes the field. Some questions coming into the year, like the emergence of a top wide receiver, seem to be settled. Still others, like the effectiveness of the Penn State run defense throughout an entire game, feel unresolved. However, one question that feels undoubtedly resolved is the level of play out of the new Penn State QB. Drew Allar has fully displayed his physical skills through the first two games of the season. But according to head coach James Franklin, it’s the mental side of Allar’s game that has been “on another level.”

Former five-star is living up to the hype early

Although he wasn’t officially named the starter until minutes before the opening kickoff of Week 1, Drew Allar came into this season with sky-high expectations. It may only be September, but the former five-star prospect has delivered so far.

Allar put on a show against West Virginia in Week 1, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. The sophomore followed it up yesterday, going 22-26 for 204 yards and one score in a little over a half of action.

Through two weeks, Drew Allar’s stat line has been phenomenal. The 19-year-old has completed nearly 80 percent of his passes so far (43-55), and thrown for 529 yards and 4 touchdowns. His play has many, including James Franklin, touting that Allar is proving his hype was justified.

Gorgeous! Drew Allar currently 13 of 14 and playing like a 3 year starter. Note to Delaware…maybe stop spearing??#WeAre #QBX🎯💪🌪 pic.twitter.com/X7dW3VZux7

— Brad Maendler (@BradMaendler) September 9, 2023

James Franklin: Drew Allar prepares “on another level”

While his physical feats on the field have some comparing Allar to former Penn State QB greats, James Franklin says it’s Allar’s mentality that has set him up for success this season. After Saturday’s 63-7 win over Delaware, Franklin praised the preparation and temperament of his sophomore QB.

“He’s just ‘steady Eddie,’ and never gets too high, never gets too low,” Franklin said after the game. “You can pat him on the back. You can scream at him. He’s just ‘steady Eddie.’ And it’s preparation on a daily basis, on a weekly basis. Obviously, it’s a small sample size. But last year, I thought he prepared as if he was the starter, and he’s taking it to another level this year. [He’s] doing a great job of managing the game, the clock, situational football, all those things… I’ve been impressed with him.”

While Drew Allar has stepped up so far in 2023, the toughest tests for him and Penn State football still lie ahead. The first of these tests is on the calendar next weekend, when the Nittany Lions travel to Illinois for the first road game of the year.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!