Penn State QB commit making push for coveted Mr. Ohio Football award

It was a bad day for the Nittany Lions in Columbus on Saturday. But it’s not all bad for the Penn State football program in the state of Ohio right now. One of the fastest ascending high school players in the Buckeye State this year, QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, is currently slated to be a Nittany Lion next spring. Grunkemeyer put together an extremely impressive senior campaign this fall. Now as the high school regular season comes to a close, the Penn State QB commit is making a strong push for the coveted Mr. Ohio Football award for the best player in the state.

Ethan Grunkemeyer had a remarkable senior season

Penn State QB commit Ethan Grunkemeyer has been headline material for months now. The 6-2, 190-pound prospect shot up the recruiting rankings in recent months thanks to a strong summer camp circuit and start to the 2023 season. Grunkemeyer is now a top-100 prospect and top-10 QB nationally, according to 247Sports.

Grunkemeyer has clearly cemented himself as one of the top prospects in Ohio for the 2024 recruiting cycle. He led his Olentangy Braves to a 9-1 regular season, completing 70% of his passes for 2,851 yards along the way. The Penn State QB commit touts a 31-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio this fall.

With Penn State football coach James Franklin in attendance for his regular-season finale Friday night, Grunkemeyer threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns, and added a rushing score as well.

Penn State QB commit making strong push for Mr. Ohio Football award

Ethan Grunkemeyer is in prime position to be recognized as the top player in Ohio after his strong senior season. The Mr. Ohio Football award is handed out annually to the top high school player in the Buckeye State.

Following last week’s action, Cleveland.com included Grunkemeyer among its top 5 candidates for the 2023 Mr. Ohio Football award. While the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association is the official entity that votes for the finalists and eventual award winner, it’s clear that Grunkemeyer’s play is standing out.

The award is intended to consider only regular-season performances and will be handed out in several weeks.

If Grunkemeyer were to win the award, he would be the second Penn State QB commit to win the honor in three years. Current Penn State QB Drew Allar was voted the Mr. Ohio Football winner in 2021. Whether Grunkemeyer takes home the prize or not, it’s clear that the Nittany Lions are getting another good one from the Buckeye State.

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