Medina QB Drew Allar set to head off to Penn State after final high school season
MEDINA, Ohio (BVM) — A four-star recruit and the top-rated pro style quarterback within the state of Ohio by 247Sports, Drew Allar had a lot of options when it came to where he wants to play in college. That was thanks in large part to the impressive junior season he had last fall.
During the 2020 season, Allar passed for nearly 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns while playing for Medina High School. Although the team had just a 6-4 record, Allar helped lead the Bees to an impressive postseason run, beating traditional powerhouses such as St. Edward and St. Ignatius in the process.
“We had a really talented team last year and I was super thankful to be a part of that team,” Allar said. “Making the regional finals for the first time in school history and beating St. Edward and St. Ignatius in back-to-back weeks was probably the highlight of the season and a special moment that we will always cherish.”
Although Medina’s season would end in the regional finals to Mentor, Allar’s play opened the eyes of many high-level college programs.
“I’d say it was a pretty big factor,” Allar said about what his postseason performance meant to his recruiting process. “I was just super happy for all my teammates because we all played pretty well and really hit our stride at the perfect time.”
Through the winter, Allar began receiving a whirlwind of college interest. But his final options ended up coming down to four schools: Iowa State, Tennessee, Notre Dame and Penn State. By March, however, there was one school that rose above the top.
“Penn State was the best fit for me,” Allar said. “It was the best situation for me to go into. What really sold me are the relationships I’ve built with all the coaches. Coach [James] Franklin was one of the few head coaches who reached out to me a ton. They’re a really good group and I’m excited to be working with them. I’m just trying to go in everyday, compete and just work as hard as I can.”
Allar will plan to enroll early to gain experience during the spring football season in 2022. But first, he still has one more season at Medina to play, where he has made some truly remarkable progress in his football career.
The now 17-year-old has played football his entire life, but for the majority of it, he wasn’t a quarterback. Usually, Allar played running back and linebacker, as a good athlete who just loved playing the game.
Growing up, Allar gained many fond memories in the sport, starting with attending several years of Cleveland Browns’ games and training camps. But he has also had his dad — a former college player at Eastern Michigan — there to teach him the game throughout.
“My parents are huge football fans,” Allar mentioned. “My dad played in college and played at Brunswick. My first memories were going to Browns’ training camps and games because we have had season tickets for generations.
“My dad was my coach from flag to middle school. I was able to learn a lot from him and take his experience and use that to my advantage. It’s been really nice just being able to have him as my dad and I can’t thank him enough for all he’s done for me.”
By his first season at Medina, Allar began playing quarterback for the freshman team. As a sophomore, he began playing JV, but made his first varsity start midway through the season.
“The transition for me wasn’t too drastic because I grew up around football and had a pretty good football IQ,” Allar noted.
It didn’t take long for Allar to flash potential as a sophomore, and he continued to study the game throughout the offseason. The quarterback now looks to model parts of his game after several signal callers including the star of his favorite team, Baker Mayfield, as well as other NFLers in Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen.
Allar’s arm strength and anticipation continue to be two of his key strengths. Later this summer, he will get an additional chance to show off his skills at the Elite 11 passing academy.
“I’m really looking forward to going there and meeting all the other quarterbacks that I haven’t met yet,” Allar said. “I’m looking forward to being able to showcase my talents and compare them to everyone else while working as hard as I can while I’m there and getting the most out of it that I can.”
The rising senior already holds several program records at Medina, and by fall, he will have a chance to add to his resume and break some county records as well. But with the potential the Bees showed in their run last season, the main goal on the mind of the quarterback and his teammates is a state title.
“Really, my only goal is to win the state championship this year,” Allar said. “Personal accolades are really cool, but I can’t do it without everybody else. I’d rather win a state championship than win some of the personal accolades.”
Being a four-star recruit, labeled as the best 2022 quarterback prospect in Ohio and one of the top in the nation is not something everyone can say. It also further proves that Allar has a future in the sport not many can achieve. A starting quarterback role in the Big Ten has always been a dream that Allar is close to making come true. In a few years, he may be saying the same about his NFL dream.
“I’m super grateful for the opportunity I have,” Allar said. “Penn State is one of the best schools in the country for academics and football. I can’t wait to play at Beaver Stadium and play in the Big Ten. I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice beyond because only the top two percent in college get drafted in the NFL.”
No matter where his career takes him, Allar will always remember his roots back in Medina, Ohio. He is proud of what he and his class have accomplished with the Bees, and hopes they have proven to others that sticking together and playing for your hometown can lead to plenty of success.
“I hope any kid that grows up in Medina sees that they can do anything they want, especially in football,” Allar concluded. “We’re not really known for football but I feel like if I can just push that ahead with this class that I’m a part of, I think that’s really special. You don’t have to go to private schools to win, you can just stay where you’ve grown up your whole life and compete. Good things will happen when you play with all your friends you’ve grown up with your whole life.”
