For the first time in his Penn State football career, true freshman QB Ethan Grunkemeyer suited up in Beaver Stadium on Saturday for the Blue-White Game. The highly recruited prospect is not expected to see a significant role in 2024 with the Nittany Lions; however, anything can happen in college football. Just a few years ago it was Beau Pribula and Drew Allar in the same role as early enrollees. Now, Pribula and Allar are helping Grunkemeyer adjust to life as a Penn State QB.
Beau Pribula discusses taking freshman QB under his wing
Ethan Grunkemeyer chose to early enroll in January and has taken advantage of his opportunity with the Penn State football team. A four-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting class, from Lewis Center, OH Grunkemeyer saw his first game-like action on Saturday during the Blue-White Game.
His opportunity suddenly increased when QB Jaxon Smolik went down with an injury this spring. On Saturday, Grunkemeyer was put on the Blue team where he backed up QB Beau Pribula. But when he entered the game he took command of the offense.
Grunkemeyer finished the game by completing 4 of 8 passes for 11 yards where he also threw an interception. With a learning curve in front of him, Beau Pribula commented on his approach to helping the freshman QB following the Blue-White Game.
“Whenever you’re an early enrollee it’s definitely tough when you first get here, a lot of new changes. When Drew [Allar] and I can take him under our wing I think that’s really good. As far as working on our leadership and just helping him out too.”
Drew Allar impressed by Grunkemeyer this Spring
The performance by Grunkemeyer this spring has been recognized by QB Drew Allar as well. The two share a special connection both being from Ohio and both players train with QB trainer Brad Maendler.
Allar spoke to the media on April 3rd and shared his thoughts on the freshman QB.
“He’s done a lot of good things,” Allar said. “I think he’s learning on the fly right now. He’s doing a good job of handling everything and doing a good job of being prepared for everything. He’s asking good questions throughout our quarterback meetings.
“Obviously, he’s going through that transition. He should be in high school now, but he early enrolled. And he’s delivering the ball on time, and he’s learning from the reps where he maybe made a mistake. He knows now the difference between college defenses and high school defense. It’s really cool to see that natural progression from practice one until practice nine, and he definitely has a bright future ahead of him.”
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