James Franklin outlines big-picture plan for QB Ethan Grunkemeyer

James Franklin couldn’t be happier to welcome quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer to Happy Valley after he signed with Penn State.

According to On3’s Industry Rankings, Grunkemeyer is the third-ranked player in PSU’s class. Only tight end Luke Reynolds and running back Quinton Martin rank higher than the quarterback, who’s risen to become one of the best recruits at his position.

Speaking with the media, Franklin explained whether or not we could see Grunkemeyer on the field in 2024. The Penn State coach broke down some fascinating scenarios.

“I think that’s hard to say,” Franklin said, regarding Grunkemeyer’s future plans and whether he’ll play in 2024. “We recruited Ethan because we’ve seen over time that he’s got a chance to be a really talented player in the Big Ten and nationally. He’s proved that, over his entire career, and really over the last year and a half. He’s really taken it to a different level. His high school, and his high school coach, did a phenomenal job with him. His quarterback trainer, as you know now, we’ve got history with him. He’s done a great job with him, as well. His family has done a great job. This kid’s wired right. He’s been raised right. Discipline and structure. His high school, discipline and structure and his home.

“So I think all those things lend a young man to have success when he gets in our structure. I think he’s fortunate. I think more times than not, especially at the quarterback position — are there exceptions? Yes. But more times than not, they’d like to come in and sit behind a guy for a year, and learn and take it all in.”

It’s obvious Franklin believes in letting Grunkemeyer learn from the sidelines in 2024, but he’s never saying never regarding the possibility of him seeing the field.

“I think there’s a reason why Drew [Allar] threw 23 touchdowns, whatever that number was this year. I think being able to sit behind Sean [Clifford] and learn behind Sean was valuable. … I think more times than not, there’s value in that,” Franklin added. “Now does that mean he won’t have a chance to come in and compete? No, we want him to come in and compete. We want all out guys to come in and compete.

“But worst case scenario, if he doesn’t, and he can sit behind and learn for a year, and then be competing that following spring, than that’s not all bad either. … We’re really happy he’s in the fold.”

Alas, James Franklin and Penn State are elated to have Ethan Grunkemeyer on their squad moving forward, but if he doesn’t play at all in 2024, it wouldn’t be a bad thing for the Nittany Lions.