Since taking over as the offensive coordinator at Penn State, Andy Kotelnicki has witnessed remarkable progress from his quarterback Drew Allar. After an entire offseason of practice and 14 games, the transformation is evident. How did this change come about, and what does it mean for the future of Penn State football?
Understanding the New Offense
Drew Allar faced a significant transition when he moved from the offensive system under former coordinator Mike Yurcich to Kotelnicki’s approach. The learning curve was steep, but Allar embraced the challenge. With Kotelnicki’s guidance, he has developed a deeper understanding of the offense, which has been crucial for his performance on the field.
“There’s a much greater understanding on his side for sure of what we’re doing offensively,” Kotelnicki shared. “His understanding, his mastery of the offense, has grown every week since I’ve been here. Then you get into the season, and that’s continued. He’s at a high level with it.” This growth is not just a personal victory for Allar; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication both he and Kotelnicki have put in together.
Impressive Stats for 2024
Allar’s stats for the 2024 season speak volumes about his development. He completed an impressive 68.5 percent of his passes, amassing 3,021 yards and throwing 21 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 289 yards and six touchdowns, marking single-season career highs in completion percentage, passing yards, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns.
These numbers are not just figures; they represent Allar’s evolution as a quarterback. They show how he has adapted to the new system and taken ownership of his role. But what does it take to achieve such success? Kotelnicki believes it’s all about buy-in and execution.
Engagement and Communication
One of the keys to Allar’s success has been his active engagement in the game-planning process. “We’re always trying to get the quarterbacks involved in things with the game plan — what they like, what they don’t like,” Kotelnicki explained. Allar has been quick to communicate with both Kotelnicki and Coach [Danny] O’Brien about what he sees on the field and what he thinks will work.
This level of involvement is crucial. When your trigger man is actively participating in the strategy, it fosters a sense of ownership and connection within the offense. Kotelnicki emphasized, “And he’s taking ownership in what we’re doing, hopefully, it connects at a high level, and you really hope you’re getting a ton of ownership, I guess, is the word I’m looking for.”
Meaningful Reps Lead to Growth
The practice environment has also played a significant role in Allar’s development. Kotelnicki noted, “You get a ton of buy-in, you get a ton of execution, you get a ton of reps — you know what I mean? Meaningful reps.” This emphasis on quality practice time has minimized mistakes on the field. “We don’t have a lot of what I call ‘my bads’ out there on the field. He knows what’s happening. He knows his reads. He knows what the defense is doing,” Kotelnicki added.
This understanding is crucial for a quarterback, and it’s clear that Allar has made significant strides in this area. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has elevated his game and the team’s overall performance.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 season progresses, Allar and Kotelnicki will have at least one more opportunity to showcase their chemistry when Penn State faces Boise State in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. This matchup will not only be a test of their skills but also a chance to demonstrate how far they’ve come together.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Allar’s continued growth within this offensive system bodes well for Penn State. With another year to build on the foundation they’ve established, fans can expect even more exciting performances from this dynamic duo.
In summary, the journey of Drew Allar under Andy Kotelnicki’s leadership is a compelling narrative of growth, adaptation, and success. As they prepare for the playoffs, one thing is clear: the future of Penn State football is bright, and the bond between coach and quarterback is stronger than ever.
