James Franklin updates Penn State's QB room entering spring practice, needing 'fuel' from young group

James Franklin is entering a bit of unfamiliar territory for Penn State this season.

Going back to 2016, the starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions was either Trace McSorley or Sean Clifford. And while Clifford drew a fair amount of criticism from fans, he helped provide a strong track record of stability at the position for Penn State.

Now, the Nittany Lions are moving on with an eventual new starting QB for 2023. With a young group at the position, Franklin provided the unsurprising admission that former 5-star Drew Allar will be penciled in as the starter moving forward.

Franklin also said the team will need Allar and redshirt freshman Beau Pribula “for fuel” in 2023, regardless of both being extremely young. The head coach also admitted the team would love to have more experience to that group which also includes freshman Jaxon Smolik, but he is very high on the talent that exists in the QB room entering 2023.

Here’s what Franklin had to say about his QB room ahead of spring practices:

Franklin says Drew Allar projects to be the team’s starting quarterback, as it stands.

“We’re going to have to put somebody out there first. Based on how the season ended and Drew’s role last year, that would be him.”

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 7, 2023

Franklin says expectations are high for Penn State’s QB room, despite Drew Allar and Beau Pribula’s youth.

“We’re gonna need both of those guys specifically for fuel… No one cares that they’re young. They’re in that position and a big part of that position is leadership.”

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 7, 2023

Franklin on his QB group of SO Drew Allar, RS FR Beau Pribula and FR Jaxon Smolik:

“In a perfect world, we’d love to have a little bit more experience and a little bit more age in that room. But at the end of the day, it’s about talent, and I think we’re talented in that room.”

— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) February 7, 2023