Penn State football QB Drew Allar discusses physical transformation to improve scrambling

It’s safe to say that Penn State football quarterback Drew Allar is a pocket passer in terms of his style of player. However, the Nittany Lion QB did show off that he can scramble when needed. Entering the 2024 season with a new offensive system, Allar will likely have to use his legs more than last season. That’s simply due to how Andy Kotelnicki calls his plays on offense, but how comfortable is Allar with running the ball, and is his body prepared for that this season?

Drew Allar rushed for 206 yards and four touchdowns in his first year as a starter. While he is known for his passing accuracy and arm talent, Allar will need to use his legs more in the new system brought by Andy Kotelnicki this fall.

At Kansas last season, the leading Jayhawk quarterback Jason Bean rushed for 280 yards and three touchdowns. But the different in the scheme is the quarterback run designed plays. On Saturday, Drew Allar was asked about his comfort level with running the football this fall.

“I mean, I’m comfortable. I’ve never had an issue with running the ball, “Allar said. “Dropped ten pounds since the end of spring, so that was one of my goals. Talking to coach Franklin, the strength staff here, and the nutrition staff. Just getting to the low-mid 230s, playing at a lighter weight and allow me to move around a little better than I was during spring ball.

“Spring ball I felt really good about moving around but I was a little heavier than what we wanted. So, worked on that throughout the early parts of summer, I’ve hit my goals so I just need to work on maintaining that now and just keep improving at everything they ask me to do as a quarterback throughout this offense.”

Franklin believes Pribula is similar to the players Kotelnicki coached at Kansas

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

While the Penn State football team continues to prepare for the opener against West Virginia, the Nittany Lions will continue to install the new offense brought in by Andy Kotelnicki. During Big Ten Media Days, James Franklin acknowledged how Beau Pribula is similar to the players that Kotelnicki coached.

“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.”

Franklin also made it clear that even if Allar is the starter this season, Beau Pribula will need to see the field this fall.

“[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.”

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation! Please follow us on all of our social channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube) and subscribe to our newsletter 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.