Results and more: A look at what happened at Penn State football’s Pro Day inside Holuba Hall
Most of those at Penn State’s Pro Day Friday were relatively quiet throughout the afternoon’s workouts, but there was one notable moment that drew an excited reaction from the crowd of NFL front office members, coaches and players’ families. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar threw a dart to tight end Theo Johnson on a corner route that came with several “oohs” and “aahs” from those looking on. That throw wasn’t the only impressive part from Allar during Friday’s action at Holuba Hall.
Let’s empty the notebook from the showing of former Nittany Lions and one notable current one. Allar was impressive in throwing to Theo Johnson and former Penn State wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton, who also participated in the throw day. The Nittany Lion quarterback showed off his arm strength in warmups by launching the ball 50 yards with little to no effort.
When the time came to throw he showed that arm strength on intermediate routes, connecting with Johnson and Hamilton near the sidelines. The accuracy was particularly impressive on those throws as well. Fellow quarterback Beau Pribula also threw during Pro Day.
He wasn’t as consistent as Allar, but that type of environment is not conducive to showcasing Pribula’s best abilities, including his ability to run. Safety Keaton Ellis ran well in the 40-yard dash and performed well in his positional drills. The former Penn State safety will likely have to make his name in the NFL on special teams and then eventually progress to being a piece in the secondary.
Linebacker Curtis Jacobs emphasized the need to play special teams in the NFL as well. He mentioned playing inside at linebacker and the importance of versatility. Cornerback Kalen King worked out after under-performing athletically at the combine.
He improved upon his 40-yard dash time, running a 4. 52 Friday. He ran a 4.
61 at the combine. The Penn State cornerback said playing safety has not come up when speaking with NFL teams. King made the decision not to play in the Peach Bowl prior to departing on the trip to the game.
Cornerback Johnny Dixon said he didn’t attend the Peach Bowl because he knew he would want to play in the game if he did. Dixon did not participate due to a hip injury he suffered at the Senior Bowl. Dixon added that he expects to be able to work out in two to three weeks.
Jacobs and Johnson both said the strangest question they were asked by an NFL team was how many basketballs they could fit in a bus. Jacobs said he was also asked if he was a dog or a cat, and if he was an apple or a banana. New Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was in attendance for the Nittany Lions’ pro day.
.