WATCH: Penn State football freshman QB shows offseason progress

The Penn State football quarterback room had great depth heading into the 2024 offseason. Starting QB Drew Allar was ramping up for year two as a starter. Beau Pribula appeared in several games showing his skillset last season. Jaxon Smolik although he did not see the field in 2023, James Franklin had great comments about his progress last fall. Then, Ethan Grunkemeyer joined the team as a top-rated recruit in the 2024 recruiting class. Things suddenly changed for the Nittany Lions when Smolik went down with an injury this spring, which elevated Grunkemeyer to the third QB on the roster. Now, Grunkemeyer is working to grow his game this offseason with Brad Maendler.

Penn State football freshman quarterback shows offseason progress

The news broke on March 29th that Penn State football QB Jaxon Smolik would be out indefinitely with an undisclosed injury. That report was later confirmed by James Franklin on April 9. This allowed freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer to step into a more significant role this spring, specifically in the Blue-White Game where he saw plenty of game action.

With Smolik’s status up in the air, Grunkemeyer continues to put the work in. He and Drew Allar share the same QB trainer in Brad Maendler. On Friday afternoon, Maendler shared a video of Grunkemeyer’s offseason progress which includes a change in his throwing technique to generate more velocity.

Penn State QB Ethan Grunkemeyer dialed in! Small changes in technique create enormous value! #effortlesspower

Great hands by Cincinnati TE Gavin Grover!#QBX🎯💪🌪 pic.twitter.com/g4xgXrlmvd

— Brad Maendler (@BradMaendler) May 3, 2024

Beau Pribula and Drew Allar lending a hand to Grunkemeyer

It was only a few years ago when Beau Pribula and Drew Allar were early enrollee true freshmen that were guided by Sean Clifford. Fast forward to the 2024 season and they both find themselves on the opposite side.

Following the Blue-White Game Pribula discussed how he and Allar have assisted Grunkemeyer adjust to life at Penn State.

“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.”