FOOTBALL

Week in review: Penn State QBs Drew Allar, Beau Pribula, Jaxon Smolik shine

The Penn State QB room is already impressing early on in spring practice.

Published

2 months ago

March 26, 2023

Penn State QBs, Drew Allar, Beau Pribula, Jaxon Smolik

Nov 19, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws the ball in front of Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Avery Young (2) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

*Editor’s note: This piece is a first person account of this week’s Penn State football open practice. the thoughts and opinions expressed are those of Colin Crissey, a contributor for Basic Blues Nation.

State College, PA — On Tuesday, Penn State football held its fourth of 15 spring practices. The media was allowed a window to watch some of the practice and then had a period to talk to James Franklin and offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. While there are many players and themes that stood out, it was hard for my attention to not be drawn to the Penn State QBs. Although it’s still early, it’s evident that Drew Allar, Beau Pribula, and Jaxon Smolik are each settling into their own unique roles this spring.

Marques Hagans gets comfortable in his new role

I saw Penn State’s new wide receivers coach Marques Hagans work up close with his position group for the first time. Hagans was teaching his receivers proper technique on comeback routes in the limited viewing window that the press had. The veteran WR coach emphasized attacking the ball at the catch point and turning upfield after catching the ball.

It was nice to see how fast Hagans has integrated with his new team and how he is already teaching his receivers. Hagans position group already includes a talented roster, including KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Malik McClain, Harrison Wallace, Liam Clifford, and Kaden Saunders, to name a few. Penn State will add even more depth when Kent State transfer Dante Cephas enrolls.

New WR coach Marques Hagans teaching comeback routes pic.twitter.com/Vl3qIWG0Q1

— Colin Crissey (@ColinPat3) March 21, 2023

Who was James Franklin impressed with?

James Franklin made it clear that he was impressed with a lot of his roster. But he specifically mentioned three early enrollee offensive linemen – J’ven Williams, Alex Birchmeier, and Anthony Donkoh – as young players who have stood out.

Freshman Safety Elliot Washington made a play in practice that Franklin showed the entire team. Clearly, the four-star safety from Florida has impressed early. The linebacker duo of Ta’Mere Robinson and Tony Rojas also caught Franklin’s eye. Tight ends Joey Schlaffer, Khalil Dinkins, and Jerry Cross have also impressed the staff.

Mike Yurcich’s thoughts on Jaxon Smolik and the Penn State QBs

The Penn State QBs are much leaner as a position room than a few months ago. In the 2023 class, the Lions only added three-star Jaxon Smolik after losing veterans Sean Clifford and Christian Veilleux. However, offensive coordinator and QB coach Mike Yurcich is impressed with how the youngest of the Penn State QBs, Jaxon Smolik, is performing so far.

Yurcich said, “He’s a very poised young man. He doesn’t get real high, he doesn’t get low, and that’s a good mentality to have as a quarterback.” He added, “he’s able to process information very well. He’s still trying to get a grasp on the offense, and I think he’s better when he hits the field.”

Yurcich praised Smolik further by saying, “When he’s on the field, he sees it, and he gets it, and he has really good vision. That’s a really important trait to have as a quarterback. Being on the blackboard and being able to spit out information the way we spit it out as coaches will come with time. He’s still learning that, and that will be a transition for him. I’m very pleased with how he gets on the field and is ready to go and can see the defense and use his eyes very well.”

Smolik joins Drew Allar and Beau Pribula in a very young QB room. A lot of attention has gone to Drew Allar this offseason, and for a good reason. Allar will likely take the reins of Penn State’s offense this year. Still, it’s essential to build the depth of the entire room.

Drew Allar and Beau Pribula can sling it

In practice, Yurcich asked the young Penn State QBs to make difficult throws. Yurcich had Allar and Pribula throwing deep to the pylon. It was a good test for the arm strength of both Allar and Pribula. Yurcich also made them move in the pocket before resetting their feet and firing. Allar was especially impressive here.

Allar and Pribula throwing to the pylon. pic.twitter.com/etxRnCb2JT

— Colin Crissey (@ColinPat3) March 21, 2023

Allar and Pribula were also throwing out routes in front of the media, which are notorious for being difficult to throw in stride to a receiver. But Allar put the ball on the money almost every time.

Allar throwing out routes ✨ pic.twitter.com/GT9at4wQAR

— Colin Crissey (@ColinPat3) March 21, 2023

While it is not surprising, I have a newfound respect for the arm talent of both Drew Allar and Beau Pribula after seeing it live. Allar is expected to be a huge part of this offense, and it starts with the freakish natural abilities displayed in front of the media. But don’t be surprised if Pribula has a role as well.

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. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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FOOTBALL

James Franklin is pleased with new Penn State football transfer portal addition

James Franklin says a new Penn State football transfer portal addition is standing out so far.

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, transfer portal, Dante Cephas, James Franklin

Apr 15, 2023; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the competition of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The Blue team defeated the White team 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Earlier today, James Franklin and the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff had some time to speak with the media ahead of summer camp in Happy Valley. With the team’s newest signees suiting up and on campus now, it comes as little surprise to fans and the media that a new Penn State football transfer portal addition is already standing out during his short period in the Blue and White.

New Penn State football transfer portal addition already standing out

According to Penn State head coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions have a star in Dante Cephas, a new Penn State football transfer portal addition. Cephas is headed to State College after spending four years with the Kent State Golden Flashes, a member of the Mid-American Conference.

Cephas brings a large frame, quick hands, great footwork, and a fast release to the table for the Blue and White. He is expected to be a valuable weapon for Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who many assume will be the Nittany Lions’ starter in Week 1 against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Today, James Franklin delved into what makes Dante Cephas special and shared his observations so far.

James Franklin breaks down Cephas

Below is just some of what the Nittany Lions’ head coach, James Franklin, had to say about Dante Cephas and his abilities thus far in the Blue and White. It’s important to note that these comments were made shortly after Cephas arrived on campus and before summer ball, but indications are that there are great things ahead for this new addition to the Penn State football transfer portal.

“He tested well in our initial testing,” James Franklin said earlier today during Penn State’s media availability. “I do think this level of training, no knock to anybody else or other programs or other schools, I do think this is different for him. And I think, in a lot of ways, that’s exciting because the lifting in the running is at a very different level. And I think his body really has a chance to explode and develop over the time that hopefully we have him. So far, so good.”

Dante Cephas has been receiving significant national attention since joining Penn State after the 2022 season. Just this week, he was recognized as a top Big Ten transfer by CBS Sports and was ranked among the top three wide receivers in the Big Ten by Pro Football Focus. It’s clear that Cephas is off to a strong start in the Blue and White.

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. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

FOOTBALL

BREAKING: 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules released

Penn State football has just learned which Big Ten opponents it will face under the new scheduling format.

Published

6 hours ago

June 8, 2023

Matt Thomas

2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules, Penn State Football

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans defensive back Ajene Harris (27) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday afternoon, the 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules for football were announced. The announcement is notable given the addition of two new teams, USC and UCLA, to the conference. In a significant move for Nittany Lions fans, Penn State football will host USC in Beaver Stadium next fall, followed by UCLA in 2025.

Penn State football gets favorable Big Ten matchups in 2024

Penn State football will face a series of monster Big Ten opponents at home in 2025, including Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, and USC. The schedule also features several favorable road matchups, such as Indiana, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.

The 2025 schedule will present a challenge for Nittany Lions

While the 2024 schedule shakes out favorably for Penn State football, 2025 will be much more difficult. The Nittany Lions will host Illinois, Minnesota, and Rutgers in the 2025 season. However, the road slate will feature extremely difficult tests. Penn State will have to travel to several challenging venues, including Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, and USC.

Other notable features of the new 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedules

As has been reported by several different outlets this afternoon, Penn State is not included in one of the protected rivalry games kept by the Big Ten. We are already seeing the impacts of this feature firsthand. Penn State will not play the Michigan Wolverines next season, nor will the Nittany Lions play the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2025.

While this means that James Franklin and Penn State will no longer face the gauntlet of the Big Ten East, that does not mean the schedule gets easier by any means. The 2025 road schedule is nothing short of daunting, with games at Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, and USC.

Of course, we do not have the scheduled dates for any of these games yet, so the timings of these matchups will also greatly influence the strength of the schedule for the Nittany Lions.

Please note: This is a breaking news story. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

FOOTBALL

Penn State football: James Franklin thinks PSU may have the best defensive line in the nation

According to James Franklin, the Penn State football defensive line is coming together nicely thus far.

Published

8 hours ago

June 8, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football defensive line, James Franklin, defensive tackles

Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Dvon Ellies (91) celebrates with Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (99) after a sack during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Earlier today, head coach James Franklin had a chance to speak with the media for around 30 minutes at the Lasch Football Building in State College, PA. There, Franklin expressed his excitement about the Penn State football defensive line — specifically the defensive tackles — which he claims may be the best in the nation. Since last year’s crushing 41-17 loss to Michigan, the D-tackle position has been in question for Penn State, so this is great news for the Blue and White.

Penn State football defensive line is resolving questions with defensive tackles this spring

The Penn State football defensive line is looking like one of the best in the country right now — from the defensive ends to the interior of the D-line, the Nittany Lions are looking to make waves on defense and push for a Big Ten title this fall.

Following the Blue/White spring game at Beaver Stadium in April, James Franklin pointed out a major area of need for his Nittany Lions: more depth and experience at defensive tackle. Considering the loss of long-time star defensive tackle PJ Mustipher from the 2022 squad, Franklin’s concern appeared to be justified. However, today his message was different heading into summer camp.

“Probably the position I am most excited about right now, for a lot of different reasons, is defensive tackle,” head coach James Franklin said earlier today. “… We got a chance to have, I think, one of the best D-lines in the country — from a depth and talent standpoint — but also a size standpoint … right now that’s a position group that I am really excited about, that I think has a chance to take us to the next level on defense.”

2023 D-line, especially defensive tackles, could make or break the Nittany Lions’ season

A season ago, the Penn State football defensive line left many wondering how it would pan out down the road. Now, Franklin says that these questions are starting to be resolved.

“We’ve got a chance (to have a great defensive tackle group), we just gotta back it up with the work right now,” Franklin explained.

There have been a few notable names turning heads along the Penn State football defensive line this spring. One of the most talked-about rising stars is sophomore tackle Zane Durant, who has consistently been mentioned as a potential breakout player for the 2023 season. Additionally, players like Hakeem Beamon and Dvon Ellies were mentioned today as potential stars in the making.

“Zane Durant is bigger and stronger than he’s been,” Franklin said. “Hakeem [Beamon] is bigger than he has been in a long time.”

If this year’s Penn State football defensive line can step up and make a significant impact this fall, the Nittany Lions will have their best opportunity in quite some time to challenge the powerhouses of the Big Ten East, Michigan and Ohio State. It could pave the way for them to claim the program’s first Big Ten title since the 2016 season.