Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1499919
J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 3 4 5 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M P enn State picked up its quarterback for the 2024 recruiting cycle with the addition of Ohio native Ethan Grunkemeyer on May 20. Listed at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Grunkemeyer had earned an offer from offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich ex- actly one month prior to his commitment. He then visited with the coaching staff on May 13 before returning to State College a week later. During the second visit, he gave PSU his pledge. A three-star prospect in the On3 In- dustry Ranking, Grunkemeyer made a strong connection with Yurcich, and that proved to be a key factor in his decision. "I think Coach Yurcich does a really good job with his quarterbacks," Grunke- meyer said. "I think I can go there and get really developed as a quarterback, on and off the field, as well as cleaning up technique." A native of Lewis Center, which is just a few miles north of Columbus, Grunke- meyer was no stranger to Penn State even before he earned his offer. After camping with the staff in July 2021, the Olentangy High prospect returned twice in 2022, at- tending a spring practice session in April, then camping again last summer. Before he came to Penn State as a pros- pect, Grunkemeyer and his family trav- eled to State College in 2016 to see a game that many fans will never forget. "I grew up watching the Big Ten a ton. Of course, I've seen the White Out a ton," Grunkemeyer said. "I've actually been to a White Out. I came the year that Penn State beat Ohio State on that blocked kick [24-21 on Grant Haley's TD return of a blocked field goal]. That was a crazy ex- perience, and one that I'll never forget." Grunkemeyer completed 62.4 percent of his attempts for 2,519 yards last sea- son, with 25 touchdowns and 8 intercep- tions. He also rushed for 201 yards and 4 scores. Rated as the No. 39 quarterback in the On3 Industry Ranking, as well as the No. 20 prospect in Ohio, Grunkemeyer to- taled 23 scholarship offers. Cincinnati, Michigan State, Minnesota and Virginia all hosted him earlier this year, and he had been speaking with Clemson about a potential visit but decided to wrap up his recruitment before the Tigers could extend an offer. "I think I really fit in with Penn State's culture and their personalities," said Grunkemeyer, an honorable mention Di- vision 1 All-State pick as a junior. "They have a lot of good quarterback minds in their room. Coach [Danny] O'Brien and Coach Yurcich both played the position and are really good coaches. I feel like I really fit in and can learn a lot from them." ■ Three-star Ohio quarterback Ethan Grunke- meyer has been on the rise this spring, having earned numerous offers from Power Five pro- grams. Here's what PSU is getting: STRENGTHS Arm strength and release: Lighting quick is the best way to describe Grunkemeyer's re- lease. He has some of the cleanest arm me- chanics of any recent Penn State quarterback prospect. That compact throwing motion results in excellent weight transfer from his lower body and impressive power behind the football. Quick feet and hips: Grunkemeyer has the speed and elusiveness to get out of jams in the pocket. He extends plays by scampering through tight spaces while keeping his eyes downfield. Once he's clear of danger or ready to throw on the run, he can quickly flip his hips toward his target and deliver an accurate pass. Scramble drills: With his skill at evading pass rushers, Grunkemeyer is able to buy time for receivers to get open. The ability to create more time for deep concepts is a skill worth its weight in gold. AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT Size and strength: While he's a nimble runner, Grunkemeyer isn't strong. When players get a hand on him in the pocket or on a designed run, it doesn't take much to bring him down. Out-of-structure mistakes: Lacking the strength to break tackles, Grunkemeyer takes some big sacks. More time in the weight room and more judicious use of his scrambling skills will help here. PROJECTION High-end starter: Grunkemeyer didn't have a great supporting cast in a tough Ohio football conference last season. Nevertheless, he el- evated his team to several wins against top op- ponents in the region. His reads weren't always complex, but he was asked to manage a spread offense with up-tempo, no-huddle elements, and he frequently delivered. Given a better supporting cast at Penn State, Grunkemeyer has unique qualities that could make him a star quarterback. At the very least, he should be a quality starter capable of put- ting PSU in a position to compete in the Big Ten East. With arm talent and room to grow, Grunkemeyer is the rare high-floor, high-ceiling prospect. — Thomas Frank Carr P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N Ohio Quarterback Makes A Connection With PSU's Staff RYA N S N Y D E R | R YA N. S N Y D E R @ O N 3 . C O M COMMITMENT PROFILE ETHAN GRUNKEMEYER Grunkemeyer joined the Nittany Lions' 2024 recruiting class on May 20, announcing his verbal commitment during a visit to campus. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER