US EditionPenn State Notes: James Franklin Nears Decision on No. 2 Quarterback
Coach James Franklin discusses key position competitions shaping Penn State's roster as the team prepares for the upcoming football season.
- James Franklin said Tuesday night he is close to choosing the primary backup between redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer and redshirt sophomore Jaxon Smolik behind Drew Allar, with the decision progressing after monitoring practices.
- Because of inconsistent practices, the coaching staff postponed the decision and plans to keep the competition going before next Saturday.
- Regarding availability, Franklin noted quarterbacks differ in experience: 6-1, 213-pound Jaxon Smolik missed last season due to injury after playing one game two years ago, while 6-2, 212-pound Ethan Grunkemeyer appeared once last season against SMU, completing 1-of-2 passes for 9 yards.
- Penn State will rotate more than 10 players on the defensive line, and Xavier Gilliam and Chaz Coleman appear likely to be included; Gilliam played five games last season at defensive tackle.
- As evaluations continue, the staff is changing reps and James Franklin said coaches have not yet formally met with the candidates.
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The Reporter
Penn State Notebook: James Franklin nears decision on No. 2 quarterback
Ethan Grunkemeyer or Jaxon Smolik will be the primary backup behind Drew Allar
Penn State notes: James Franklin nears decision on No. 2 quarterback
STATE COLLEGE – Penn State has yet to name a No. 2 quarterback with less than two weeks before the season opener against Nevada. Nittany Lions coach James Franklin said Tuesday night after practice that he’s close to deciding whether redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer or redshirt sophomore Jaxon Smolik will be the primary backup behind Drew Allar. “We haven’t sat down and talked to these guys yet,” Franklin said. “We were probably close to maki…
James Franklin Closing In on Naming Drew Allar’s Backup Quarterback
Penn State’s first three games against Nevada (August 30), Florida International (September 6), and Villanova (September 13) may not be against Power 4 competition, but the ramifications of settling the second and third strings will be determined.. While the top of the depth chart, for the most part, is ironed out everywhere except for the right side of the offensive line, one of the bigger summer battles has been who will be the backup for Drew…
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