James Franklin is ready for the rest of the country to see just how much Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has grown as a player this offseason. After leading the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals a year ago, Allar is back on a mission to bring them a championship. Franklin recently joined […]
James Franklin is ready for the rest of the country to see just how much Penn State quarterback Drew Allar has grown as a player this offseason. After leading the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals a year ago, Allar is back on a mission to bring them a championship.
Franklin recently joined Josh Pate’s College Football Show on Tuesday, where he discussed the work that Allar has put in to improve in multiple areas. That includes his weight, as he is down seven pounds this offseason allowing him to be more mobile in eluding pressure.
“Some of these guys have significant areas of weakness that you need to work on. He really didn’t have that,” Franklin said of Allar. “He has taken significant steps every year in terms of leadership, in terms of understanding of the offense, in terms of chemistry with the wide receivers. With all of it, he’s taken steps and I think it’s been significant. He went from 242 pounds to about 235. He’s moving better. He’s more athletic.”
Allar threw for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns to eight interceptions this past season. He also rushed for 302 yards and six touchdowns. Perhaps with his slimmer weight he can be even more of a threat on the ground as well.
James Franklin also explained that he would like to see Drew Allar be more aggressive at times this season with taking chances downfield. However, he also recognizes it’s on him and the rest of the coaches to call plays that put the quarterback in those positions.
“You look at his touchdown-to-interception ratio, ‘bout as good as anybody in the country over his career,” Franklin said. “But there’s times where we need him to be aggressive and push the ball down the field. We have to call the game that way a little bit more and we need him to do it, but it’s a fine line. Because now you throw a couple more picks and everybody’s complaining about that.
“So it’s a balance between those two things as an offense. Calling the game in a way where we’re gonna push the ball down the field, having the guys at the receiver position to make those plays, and then Drew to be comfortable in letting it rip.”
If Allar can improve in those areas, it gives Penn State a shot at once again competing for a title. The Nittany Lions open up the 2025 season on Aug. 30 against Nevada.
Category: General Sports
