Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Size:
Height: 6’4” (v) | Weight: 224 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2023) • Five-star recruit
“Drew Allar is a large, powerful athlete with the arm talent to threaten all levels of a defense.”
Strengths:
Easy velocity
Pure thrower of the football
Strong
IDing blitzes
Concerns:
Occasional all-arm thrower
Pocket mobility
Film Analysis:
Within a new offensive structure under Andy Kotelnicki, Drew Allar took steps in a variety of areas under center this fall. While his physical gifts and fundamental arm talent have always remained prevalent in his evaluation, his improvement and willingness to press the ball downfield (8.9 YPA) in 2024 flashed throughout Allar’s junior campaign. Although the Nittany Lions’ pass-catchers remained limited outside of TE Tyler Warren, Allar’s ability to feed his perimeter targets at varying depths against varying coverages showcased an improving player at the position with as lofty a performance ceiling as any pure pocket passer in the country.
He’s a joy to watch throw the football. He’s a pure passer with the zip and processing ability to dissect each level of a defense. Being a quick processor both pre- and post-snap allows Allar to consistently move the chains and take calculated vertical shots. Primarily operating out of shotgun, Allar does an excellent job in scanning a defense at a rapid pace as the ball is snapped. Will take the short rhythm throws consistently if they are there, only to zip a far hash comeback right to the numbers. Rarely rushes the mesh point to read the linebacker and is quick to locate fortuitous matchups and space to exploit. The Nittany Lions offense contained a variety of crossers, timing, and rhythm routes over the years, but Allar’s velocity and potential for more showcased well this fall. Kotelnicki’s ask of Allar to hit on extended dig/out routes, vertical touch throws, as well as applying the zip to layer a throw into a wideout against a hi-lo concept remained evident.
Allar will operate primarily in the pocket but has the necessary athleticism and arm talent to rip throws from a variety of angles. Arm talent pops off the screen at such a young age. Continuing to improve in generating torque from the ground up will only heighten his ceiling as a passer. Stands tall and delivers with confidence. Very smooth delivery with zero wasted movement. Has the ability to speed up his process on quick hitters and screens to the perimeter, often dropping his arm angle down to create his own throwing lanes around crashing defensive ends (Maryland). Showcases the ability to ID free runners and deliver with accuracy with hands in his face. Not a dynamic athlete, but won’t hesitate to tuck and run if an alley presents itself.
Concerns remain about inconsistent footwork that ultimately stem from Allar’s comfortability in generating velocity from the waist up. Touch to multiple levels (short, intermediate, deep) is apparent, but varying his velocity at a higher level will allow Allar to take the next step as a passer. Shoulders will get uneven at the time of delivery, on occasion, leaving throws high. Continuing to drive downhill consistently showcased Allar’s ability to rip throws into the smallest of windows with ease.
Overall, Allar is a physically impressive quarterback with the arm talent to make every throw in a playbook. While his inconsistent mechanics can often cause throws to sail into precarious situations, he’s showcased the ability to confidently lead an offense with the processing, accuracy, efficiency, and arm talent to threaten each level of a defense. Considering his success with such limited playmakers around him, Allar is a highly intriguing playmaker who can elevate those around him—a trait of a franchise signal-caller.
Prospect Projection: Day 1 — Pro Bowl Caliber
Written By: Ryan Fowler
