During this past Saturday’s 46-11 win over Nevada Penn State QB Drew Allar received a comparison to a future NFL Hall of Famer.
CBS Sports Color commentator Gary Danielson said Allar reminds him of Big Ben Roethlisberger.
Although it would certainly be a lot to predict a Hall of Fame career for any player, there are certainly similarities shared between Allar and the legend who wore No. 7.
It’s a comparison that makes Penn State fans smile, especially considering many of them are also Pittsburgh Steelers fans. Roethlisberger was the team’s starter for 18 seasons, helping the franchise to a pair of Super Bowl championships.
THE SIMILARITIES
Photo by Pittsburgh Steelers
There are certainly some similarities here.
For one, although he isn’t nicknamed “Big,” Allar is “Big” himself, standing 6-feet-5 and weighing 235 pounds.
Along with his build, Allar also has a big arm, which is a big reason he was a five-star recruit coming out of Medina High School in Ohio.
Allar is also mobile, which Roethlisberger certainly was.
This mobility has also led to another comparison.
A MORE MODERN COMP
After Danielson compared Allar to Big Ben, play-by-play man Brad Nessler compared him to a current QB.
If you’ve been following long enough, you can probably guess that this QB was Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.
This isn’t a new comparison.
Drew Allar has received Allen comps since before he got to Penn State
In fact, that was his player comp on 247Sports.
Here’s what Gabe Brooks wrote about Allar in January 2022
“Owns excellent size with prototypical build of a big-bodied pro-style quarterback. Nearly 6-foot-5 and 230-plus pounds and wears it well. Arm strength reflects those physical tools.”
“Ball gets out fast despite long-levered build. Displays big-armed vertical juice with terrific velocity in short-to-intermediate situations. Knows how and when to vary zip and does so from myriad arm angles with impressive playmaking creativity. Shows ability to suddenly and smoothly dial back power, if needed, at tail end of delivery.”
“Not a true dual-threat, but capable of scrambling when the play breaks down. Throw power transfers to off-schedule, off-platform opportunities. Strong enough to make timely, accurate cross-body throws on the move. Functional athleticism derives in part from a foundation at other positions earlier in career.”
“Shows anticipatory feel for the position. Strong production as a junior improved to outstanding during senior season. Only seven interceptions in 514 throws (one in 73.4 attempts) in 2021. May need time to adjust to speed of the game and processing rate at the next level.”
“Most naturally talented thrower in the 2022 quarterback class. Not tapped out by any means and possesses immense upside. Should become an impact high-major starter with NFL Draft first-round potential.”
No. 2 Penn State takes on Florida International Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on the Big Ten Network.
