Drew Allar's return to Penn State for his senior year certainly didn't unfold as planned. The Nittany Lions faced a tough season, getting knocked out of College Football Playoff contention by early October. Allar's journey took a sharp turn when he suffered a season-ending injury against Northwestern, and the subsequent firing of coach James Franklin added to the team's turmoil.
Yet, standing at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Allar remained resolute about his decision to come back for one last hurrah with the Nittany Lions. "I would have," he told reporters, reflecting on his choice.
"I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. This injury has been an opportunity to grow as a person, teammate, and player.
I wouldn't change a thing."
The Combine and the entire pre-draft process are pivotal for Allar's future in the NFL. Once a high school sensation, rated as a five-star prospect and the top quarterback in the nation, Allar showcased flashes of brilliance over his college career. However, his cautious play often left fans yearning for more, as his physical gifts sometimes went underutilized.
His college career came to an abrupt halt during a tight 22-21 loss to Northwestern, where he broke his ankle scrambling for a first down. The injury not only ended his season but also marked a period of significant change for Penn State.
Despite the setbacks, Allar's potential as a high draft pick remains evident. His college stats, though solid, don't fully capture his capabilities.
He finished in the top four or five in most quarterback categories at Penn State, with impressive numbers: 633 completions on 1,002 attempts, 7,402 yards, 61 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He also added 732 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
Reflecting on his decision to return for his senior year, Allar said, "I wanted more development and experience. Experience is a quarterback's best friend. The more scenarios you encounter in college, the better prepared you are for the NFL."
Throughout his career, Allar played under several offensive coordinators, which added layers to his learning experience. "Our offense put a lot on me in terms of play calls and responsibilities," he noted. "I feel well-prepared for the NFL's mental demands."
After his injury, Allar stayed involved with the team, supporting from the sidelines. His rehab journey took him from Penn State to California, focusing on draft preparation. While he won't run or test at the Combine or Penn State Pro Day, he plans to throw during the pre-draft process.
As NFL teams evaluate Allar's interviews, medicals, game film, and workouts, his draft prospects will become clearer. Despite the quiet end to his college career, Allar remains a captivating prospect at quarterback.
Reflecting on his time at Penn State, Allar emphasized the importance of tuning out external noise. "What matters is earning the respect of my coaches and teammates and impacting the game in a meaningful way, regardless of stats."