Jake Trotter, ESPN Senior Writer
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The night earlier than final yr's Peach Bowl, Drew Allar encountered the ultimate Penn State quarterback to stay unbeaten. Kerry Collins, designated as an honorary captain for the competition in opposition to Ole Miss, dined with Allar and the squad at their lodge.
The Nittany Lions have showcased triumphant quarterbacks all through the years. However, after driving Penn State to a flawless 12-0 report three many years in the past, the 6-foot-5 Collins had not run right into a quintessential Penn State thrower who reminded him of his personal tenure — till Allar.
“He's physically imposing,” expressed Collins, chosen with the fifth choice within the 1995 draft by the Carolina Panthers earlier than finishing 17 seasons within the NFL. “He possesses an NFL body and skill set. Other individuals have enjoyed remarkable success. However, I would not necessarily affirm that their achievements translated into the requisites for the NFL. … Drew embodies that, unequivocally.”
Before the forthcoming matchup at USC, the fourth-ranked Nittany Lions are commencing the season with a 5-0 report for the fourth consecutive yr, the only FBS program to attain this distinction, as per ESPN Research. Yet, backed by Allar and his Collins-esque 6-foot-5 physique, Penn State aspires to safe its inaugural playoff berth.
To Allar, Collins epitomizes all that he and these Nittany Lions can accomplish. As he strolls by way of the athletic premises, he witnesses pictures of Collins each day, serving as a relentless encouragement from the 1994 staff that clinched the second spot within the rankings behind the nationwide victor, Nebraska.
“Having the opportunity to glean insights from him was truly remarkable,” Allar remarked. “His key message was to savor every moment, relish it … and put in maximum effort to enhance yourself and contribute to your team's success.”
Collins has noticed Allar progress in doing exactly that.
In quite a few facets, Allar loved a stellar inaugural season as the first quarterback final yr. He threw for 25 touchdowns with solely two interceptions, boasting the nation's second-best touchdown-to-interception ratio following Oregon's Bo Nix, presently the starter for the Denver Broncos.
Nevertheless, when it proved essential, Penn State's offense in the end lacked impetus, notably in losses to Ohio State and Michigan. Allar related on merely 18 of his 42 passes in opposition to the Buckeyes and amassed solely 70 passing yards in opposition to the Wolverines.
Despite the Nittany Lions reaching 10 victories, Allar ranked 92nd with merely 6.8 yards per go try.
During the offseason, coach James Franklin recruited offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas to help in unlocking Allar's potent arm.
“Upon observing his throws, it's evident that he can launch the ball akin to very few others,” Franklin remarked. “His stature enables him to withstand the pocket's rigors from a durability standpoint, and he possesses the capability to advance within the pocket, shrug off a defensive tackle, and deliver a pivotal pass.”
With Kotelnicki's pro-style vertical method, Allar is now succeeding in executing these important throws. He is positioned fifth nationally in QBR (88.8) and fifth with a median of 10.7 yards per try.
“I discern a surge in his confidence,” tight finish Tyler Warren commented. “He exudes confidence not solely to himself, but also to our offense.”
The offense shows heightened confidence because of this. Anchored by the versatile Warren and the dynamic working again duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, the Nittany Lions maintain the tenth place in offensive EPA (anticipated factors added).
“He possesses all the attributes requisite to be an adept NFL quarterback, … highly capable,” articulated an NFL personnel govt who applauded Allar's enhanced accuracy. “This year, he's been permitted to target the deeper throws more. … there is certainly an upward trajectory.”
Collins turned a supporter of Allar's potential merely by watching him heat up earlier than the Peach Bowl.
“The manner in which he releases the ball, he's got it,” Collins talked about. “It exhibits a good snap to his arm, a good whip. All the physical attributes are present.”
Collins harbored all of the attributes upon his arrival at State College. Nonetheless, akin to Allar, he encountered struggles in confrontations in opposition to Ohio State and Michigan in 1993, Penn State's debut yr within the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions managed only one landing in a defeat to Michigan. The ensuing week, Collins threw 4 interceptions in an Ohio State rout.
Collins affirmed that the encounters from these two losses primed the Nittany Lions for his or her 1994 marketing campaign.
“Suddenly, it all fell into place,” Collins remarked. “We developed that tenacity. We possessed that attitude that, regardless of the circumstances, we will rise to the occasion.”
Those illustrious Nittany Lions featured All-America working again Ki-Jana Carter and tight finish Kyle Brady, each of whom had been chosen as top-10 draft picks, alongside Collins.
In consecutive video games, Penn State triumphed over Michigan 31-24 after which routed Ohio State 63-14; within the latter victory, Collins handed for 256 yards with out committing a turnover.
The Nittany Lions proceeded to conclude the season with out a loss, overpowering Oregon within the Rose Bowl.
“We possessed unwavering belief and confidence in our identity and mission, such that it was merely a matter of, ‘Alright, onwards,'” Collins shared. “It did not matter what helmet they wore, what uniform color. … From a quarterback standpoint, I needed to learn — and I mastered — being unemotional and, evidently, being prepared to perform. I used to term it as being dispassionate and tactical.”
Collins perceives Allar cultivating an analogous temperament.
“Having spent time with the lad and gathered insights about him, it is apparent that he is a meticulous individual,” Collins famous. “He takes his obligations seriously. He aspires to excel.”
For homecoming two weeks in the past, Penn State paid tribute to the 1994 squad. Despite functioning because the offensive coordinator for Summit High School in Spring Hill, Tennessee, Collins ensured his presence, accompanied by Carter, serving because the honorary captain for the coin toss.
Allar didn't amass staggering figures in a hard-fought 21-7 triumph in opposition to No. 23 Illinois. Nonetheless, he orchestrated the pivotal landing drive in the direction of the top of the fourth quarter.
“In the huddle, he guaranteed us that we would complete this drive,” Singleton recounted. “He brings vigor. … exemplifies the leadership he possesses.”
Allar expressed his aspiration to at some point mirror Collins' trajectory and set up himself as an NFL starter. Yet, presently, his focus is aiding these Nittany Lions in realizing their full potential.
“We harbor exceedingly lofty ambitions,” he remarked.
Collins ventured precariously close to steering Penn State to its third nationwide championship, the primary since 1986. In Allar, he detects a passer who can ultimately propel the Nittany Lions again to the summit.
“I foresee them reaching their pinnacle potential and causing trouble for opponents in the playoffs,” he articulated. “When it is time to execute those critical plays that a quarterback must make, I firmly believe that Drew can and will deliver.”
