PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Drew Allar said minutes after he was selected in the third round by the Steelers that it still didn’t feel real. I think that was the feeling of a lot of Steelers fans, those that loved it or not as Allar discussed joining the quarterback room that might include Aaron Rodgers.
“My focus is going to be how can I make myself better one percent each day,” Allar said very diplomatically. “Obviously catching up on the playbook and learning everything like that and acclimating myself to the team and being a great teammate.”
“Come in, put my head down and going to work and taking it a day at a time.”
The 6’5”, 228-pound Allar became the Penn State starter as a sophomore throwing for 25 touchdowns to two interceptions with 2,631 yards and another 206 yards rushing with four scores. His junior season was comparable with 3,327 yards, a better completion percentage 66.5 to 59.9 with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He rushed for 302 yards and six scores.
Going into his final season he was projected as high as a first-round pick with elite arm talent and rushing ability, but an injury ended his season after six games. He said he’s gained some perspective from the injury, understanding his passion and love for the game and not taking any opportunity for granted.
Now Allar is working to be more consistent, he said that will drive his overall improvement. The right-hander said he will find ways to be the best player he possibly can be.
He will do so competing against Will Howard again, the two Big 10 quarterbacks separated by a year and each with no preseason or NFL game experience.
“It’s about pulling for each other,” Allar said. “You want the team to be the most successful every Sunday. You want to go out and win every game, that’s the ultimate goal and that’s my ultimate goal.”
“So for me, it's just about putting my head down and focusing on what I can control, just my effort and attitude each day and the amount of preparation I can put into going into each day. I know everybody in the quarterback room is going to do the same thing, and I feel like it's going to be a really exciting room to be a part of, just with everybody that's involved in that room.”
“I'm really excited to be a part of that room just because I feel like it's going to be a really good room to learn and grow from.”
Allar said he’s met Howard a few times. His college teammate was high school teammates with Howard in the Philadelphia area. Ironic that Allar is from Ohio and played for Penn State, while Howard played for the Buckeyes.
Although Allar will have to change his NFL allegiance.
Drew Allar to Steelers in 3rd round
“I was a Browns fan growing up, but that’s gone out the window right now,” Allar said. “I’m very excited to be a Steeler. I have a lot of family that grew up in the Pittsburgh area that are huge Steelers fans and Pittsburgh fans in general. Some of my best friends are from that area too.”
“I know how serious the culture is around sports in Pittsburgh and how much pride the fans take in all the pro teams. I’m excited to play for a fan base and an organization that has such high tradition and standards.”
“I’m really looking forward to becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler.”
We don’t yet know Aaron Rodgers future.
This is going to be interesting.
LISTEN to what Penn State senior said after Steelers take him in 3rd round
LISTEN to what Penn State senior said after Steelers take him in 3rd round
