Penn state Turns too Freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer at Quarterback
STATE COLLEGE, PA – In a developing story, Penn State will start freshman quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer in Saturday’s game against Maryland, the program announced Friday. The move comes as Penn State navigates a quarterback situation following injuries to Drew Allar and Beau Pribula.
Grunkemeyer arrived at Penn State as a highly-touted four-star recruit from Olentangy high School in Lewis Centre, Ohio. He first gained recognition at the Elite 11, considered the most prestigious high school quarterback showcase.
During his prolific senior season, Grunkemeyer completed 66 percent of his passes for more than 3,500 yards and 39 touchdowns, earning him first-team all-state honors. His performance led to a rapid recruiting rise, ultimately garnering rankings as the nation’s No. 5 quarterback by ESPN, No. 8 QB by 247Sports, and No. 9 QB by On3.
Interim coach terry Smith expressed confidence in the freshman, stating, “We have every bit of confidence in Ethan. He has a strong arm, he is athletic, super smart kid.” Smith added, “He’s going to be ready. You know, we’re going to rep him all week and drill him all week and put him in class on grass. We’re very confident we’re going to have a game plan for him that fits him.”
Senior center Nick Dawkins echoed Smith’s sentiment, saying, “I have all the confidence in the world in Grunk. He’s a baller.He goes out there and plays with confidence and been doing so as he got on campus. … He’s not scared. He plays to win, and that’s all you can ask out of a quarterback, especially given the situation.”
Grunkemeyer shares a connection with former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, as both hail from ohio - Grunkemeyer from Lewis Center (near Columbus) and Allar from Medina (west of Akron). Both quarterbacks also trained with private coach Brad Maendler and experienced a late surge in national recruiting attention after committing to Penn State.
The Grunkemeyer family boasts a strong athletic background. His mothers, Heather Grunkemeyer and Megan McCabe, were both college basketball players; Heather at Ohio State (1997-99) and Megan at Gustavus Adolphus College (1989-93).
