Drew Allar not Among Penn State Football’s Big Ten Media Day Representatives

J-Thomas— formerly Ellies— is the longest-tenured member coming to Indy and the longest-tenured member of Penn State’s team.

He’s been with the program since 2019 and became a regular starter last season, starting eight of PSU’s 13 games. After the season, the media named him an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection.

Reed, who is entering his fourth season at Penn State, was a unanimous honorable mention selection from coaches and media last season.

He started all 13 games, ending with 31 tackles (23 solo), two tackles for loss, a quarterback hurray and three pass breakups.

Tyler Warren is also entering his fourth season and will likely come into the fall as the team’s undisputed No. 1 option at tight end following now-New York Giant Theo Johnson’s departure. Warren tied Johnson for the team lead with seven touchdown receptions.

Penn State fans might notice that QB Drew Allar isn’t one of the three going to Indy.

Although this will surprise a few people, it’s nothing unprecedented.

In 2021, Sean Clifford, who was entering his third season as Penn State’s starter, wasn’t one of Penn State’s representatives. This is likely an attempt to keep Allar’s focus on Penn State’s season without overly worrying about outside obligations.

Allar will also be working with a new offensive coordinator in Andy Kotelnicki the way Clifford was with Mike Yurcich three years ago, which probably factors into Franklin’s decision not to send Allar based on what he said about not taking Clifford.

“It’s kind of similar to a couple years ago when Mike (Yurcich) got here and we kind of made some changes to the offense,” Franklin said last September. “I think it was that year. I don’t think we took Sean Clifford, if I remember correctly, we didn’t take him to Big Ten Media Day. I wanted him focused on just doing his job that year.”

This year’s Big Ten Media Days start Tuesday, July 23, and run through Thursday, July 25. All three days will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.