DEAL DONE, ICYMI: Penn State backup another QB weapon after confirming a 5-star from Auburn
When discussing the offensive weapons available to Andy Kotelnicki and Drew Allar on the 2024 Penn State Nittany Lions, attention quickly shifts to the underwhelming wide receiver group. This was a significant issue that hindered the passing game last season, and despite the addition of Julian Fleming via the transfer portal and a new offensive coordinator, concerns persist.
However, aside from the wide receiver concerns, Penn State’s offense is well-equipped in other areas. The Nittany Lions boast an elite tight end in Tyler Warren, who ranked second on the team last year with 34 receptions for 422 yards and seven touchdowns, and a promising true freshman tight end in Luke Reynolds, who could emerge as a key player. In the backfield, Penn State’s former five-star quarterback is supported by two exceptional running backs from the same recruiting class, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, known as the Lawn Boyz, who are arguably the best running back duo in the country.
Despite having a great tight end, a potent running back duo, and a highly-touted former five-star quarterback who had a mixed sophomore season, Kotelnicki might still struggle to create one of the Big Ten’s top offenses, capable of challenging Ohio State or Oregon in a conference championship. However, the innovative offense brought to Happy Valley by the former Kansas offensive coordinator this offseason might unlock Penn State’s secret weapon—backup quarterback Beau Pribula—who could help bridge the gap.
A vocal and often difficult segment of the Penn State fan base, which I jokingly call the “Beau-hive,” has been clamoring for Pribula to take over the starting role from Allar, effectively pushing aside the No. 1 quarterback from the 2022 recruiting class in favor of a slightly undersized three-star from the same class with only 27 career dropbacks. Yet, when you see plays like this, it’s easy to understand why they’re so tempted.
BIG PLAY BEAU 💪
THE PRIDE OF YORK, PA 🏅
Beau Pribula hits Nick Singleton for a 48 yard TD catch #WeAre | @beauprib pic.twitter.com/3iaSgvH6Bf
— White Out Weekly (@whiteoutweekly) December 30, 2023
Pribula brought a much-needed spark of dynamism and unpredictability to Penn State’s offense last season, though his impact was limited to brief appearances. Despite playing only 109 snaps, he managed to produce 149 yards and four touchdowns through the air (completing 11 of 21 passes) and added 329 rushing yards with six touchdowns on 56 carries.
Pribula was often deployed in carefully designed gadget plays, sometimes alongside another quarterback on the field, and he excelled in garbage time. His performance was a significant factor in Penn State covering the spread in nine of the 11 games they were favored in last season. However, there’s considerable uncertainty about how his sudden bursts of explosiveness would hold up over the course of a full college football season. It’s possible we may never find out.
Drew Allar remains Penn State’s starting quarterback and was recently named a team captain for the first time, solidifying his position. Despite his sophomore shortcomings, including a lack of aggressiveness, Allar still accounted for 25 touchdowns and only two interceptions, with a yards-per-attempt average of 6.8, compared to Pribula’s 7.1. Pribula’s average depth of target was just 5.1 yards, offering little evidence that he could thrive as a regular starter.
Pribula’s best chance to start at Penn State may come from simply waiting out Allar, who could leave for the NFL after this season or the next. With three years of eligibility remaining after redshirting in 2022, Pribula’s role for now is as a gadget quarterback and primary backup. Still, this doesn’t diminish his value to offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Kotelnicki emphasized Pribula’s potential back in June, saying, “When you have a guy like that, whatever we have to do to get our best players on the field and put stress on the defense and that allows us to execute and go score touchdowns and win football games, we’re going to do it.”
One of the key reasons Franklin hired Kotelnicki was his ability to maximize the talents of players like Pribula. After spring practices, Franklin acknowledged the importance of getting the ball into the hands of their best players, something that had been lacking in recent years. Kotelnicki’s focus on this was a major factor in his hiring.
Last season, Penn State managed just 13 passing plays of over 30 yards, and despite only completing 11 passes, Pribula was responsible for two of those. On the ground, Pro Football Focus (PFF) defines a “breakaway” run as one over 15 yards, and Pribula contributed six of Penn State’s 30, achieving a breakaway on 42% of his carries.
In just his first year on the field, with Mike Yurcich calling the plays, Pribula made a significant impact. Now, in Year 3 on campus and under the guidance of Andy Kotelnicki, he feels even more confident and prepared.
“I’d say this is the best year I’ve had,” Pribula shared during his third fall camp. “I’m feeling the most comfortable I’ve ever felt. I feel really good in this offense and I feel like I’m in a really good position.”
While that position may not be as Penn State’s starting quarterback—meaning the “Beau-hive” might not see their dream fulfilled—they will likely see Pribula more frequently on the field in 2024, utilized as a versatile Swiss Army knife and a key offensive weapon.