How will Penn State replace Rose Bowl hero Sean Clifford? It helps to have a 5-star waiting in the wings

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford has moved on, taking all of those program records with him. Christian Veilleux, the hero against Rutgers in 2021 with Clifford ailing? Gone. He’s now a Pitt Panther.

James Franklin’s program returns a large number of talented, experienced players. And there are some gifted quarterbacks on the 2023 roster. But all of them are young.

Here are some January thoughts on Franklin’s signal-callers.

Top returnees: Drew Allar and Beau Pribula

Allar, the five-star signee in Franklin’s 2022 class, appeared in 10 games and completed 35 of 60 passes for 344 yards and four touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception and also ran for a score.

The 6-foot-5, 238-pounder has a big arm and didn’t look scared when he made a surprise appearance during the third quarter of the Lions’ season-opening win at Purdue.

Allar was named Clifford’s backup prior to the season and was likely the reason Veilleux headed to Pitt. He should see extensive work with the first-team offense during spring drills and August practice sessions.

Pribula, the Central York star, redshirted in 2022 and is targeted for backup duty this year. He was a two-time first-team all-state selection in Pennsylvania.

Moving on: Clifford and Veilleux

Clifford, who spent six years at Penn State, was a four-time starter and he closed his career with a brilliant effort (279 yards, two touchdowns) in the Lions’ win over Utah in the Rose Bowl. Clifford is the Lions’ program leader in completions, wins, passing yards and total yards.

Veilleux appeared in three games in 2022. He is best known for relieving Clifford and throwing for 235 yards and three scores in Penn State’s 28-0 victory over Rutgers in 2021 at Beaver Stadium.

Player to watch: Allar

The wait to see the five-star talent in extended action is almost over.

2023 signee: Jaxon Smolik

A three-star signee from Iowa, Smolik was originally a Tulane verbal, but now the January enrollee gets to work with Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich this spring. He is ticketed for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart.