Penn State’s Beau Pribula on QB competition, increased role and his ‘underdog mentality’

Tommy Stevens was assigned the “Lion” position ahead of the 2017 Fiesta Bowl. Will Levis featured in the “Falcon” package in 2020. There’s precedent for Penn State to utilize the legs of its backup quarterback.

That’s why interest was piqued when James Franklin said at the start of spring that Beau Pribula, not Drew Allar, might take the most quarterback reps in camp. Pribula’s “different dynamic,” as Franklin described it, could get him on the field in nontraditional sets.

Allar is expected to be Penn State’s starting quarterback this fall. The five-star phenom played in 10 games last season, while Pribula did not see game action. The fellow 2022 signees are battling to be Sean Clifford’s successor, a battle that will continue “until it’s obvious and been decided,” Franklin said last week.

But, realistically, it’s Allar’s job to lose and time to shine. Pribula’s best chance of getting meaningful game reps in 2023, barring an injury to Allar, would be in packages designed to take advantage of his dual-threat skillset.

Pribula, the former Central York star, threw for 2,676 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior. The former four-star prospect also rushed for 420 yards and nine scores. Allar can move for a 6-foot-5, 242-pounder, but Pribula’s burst at 6-2, 208 pounds is more conducive to putting defenses in conflict on designed runs.

Pribula said there haven’t been any plays or packages installed during spring camp that mirror what Stevens and Levis did. He added that Franklin and offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich haven’t pulled up old film of Stevens and Levis for him to study.

So far, Pribula said, spring ball primarily has revolved around the traditional offense. But he’s open whatever role the coaching staff throws his way.

“Anything I can do to help the team, I’m willing to do it,” Pribula said. “I’m excited.”

It’s an exciting time for Pribula. A year ago, the early enrollee was preparing to be the fourth-stringer behind Clifford, Allar and Christian Veilleux and run the scout team. Now, he’s one of three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster alongside Allar and 2023 signee Jaxon Smolik.

Pribula has learned a lot this spring. It’s been a challenge going up against Penn State’s defense — a unit featuring All-Big Ten honorees and Manny Diaz, “a talented defensive coordinator who presents tough looks.” It’s been a period of growth, going from learning the offense to “understanding what the play is attacking.”

Pribula, asked if the first 14 months of his Penn State career have gone as he envisioned, smiled and shrugged. He didn’t know what to expect when he signed with Penn State, only that he was going to take it day by day.

Pribula has kept the same approach during spring camp as he tries to impress Yurcich and Franklin. It’s the approach he’ll take at Saturday’s Blue-White Game. And it’s the approach he’ll take until Franklin announces his decision on the starter.

“I approach every day with an underdog mentality no matter what the situation,” Pribula said. “I’m gonna approach each practice like it’s the Super Bowl. That’s been my mentality, and it’s always going to stay that way no matter what happens.”