4-star QB Ethan Grunkemeyer’s Penn State career begins soon. He already has the 1-0 mentality
Ethan Grunkemeyer may be a few months from enrolling at Penn State — the future Nittany Lion will be joining the football program in January after graduating early from high school — but you could already hear the influence his future head coach has had on him when he spoke in the hallway of Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio.
The four-star quarterback has led the Olentangy Braves to an 8-1 record so far this season, but he’s not quite ready to look too far ahead into his future.
“Senior season is going good,” Grunkemeyer told the Centre Daily Times. “Looking to go 1-0 each week. We’re just excited for the opportunity we have this Friday against Marysville. Once Senior Night is over, once the playoffs start, it’s win or go home. Just kind of taking each week in itself and doing what we can to prepare for them.”
He’s already speaking like a future Penn State quarterback and could be the player to succeed current starter Drew Allar.
Grunkemeyer committed to James Franklin and the Nittany Lions in May and has only improved since then. The high school senior was originally a three-star recruit before recently becoming a top 100 player in the country in the 247Sports player rankings.
He’s continued developing his game and, while prioritizing his team’s winning, has also worked on his own craft.
“I’m super pleased with how everything is going,” he said. “Made some mistakes early in the season but I’ve learned from them. Kind of cleaning everything up. Just keep watching the film and seeing how I can improve each week so I don’t make them again is pretty key. Just watching film so I can what’s going to work for us leading into Friday.”
That has led to his team’s near-unbeaten record, with him lighting up defenses in his home state of Ohio. He has completed 185 of his 266 passes for 2,439 yards and 27 touchdowns while only throwing five interceptions.
He’s been spectacular on the field for the Braves this season, but still knows there’s room to improve as he continues on his development path — and the mistakes he mentioned are part of that learning experience.
“Just kinda stupid stuff,” he said with a smile. “Throwing across my body, ill-advised throws everyone knows not to make. I’m being smarter with the football and stuff like that.”
Grunkemeyer remains in constant communication with the Penn State coaching staff, FaceTiming them every week and texting back and forth. They’ll be in to see him Friday for his Senior Night game, and he’ll return the favor by being at the Nittany Lions’ matchup with the Buckeyes on Saturday.
Knowing they’re taking the time to stop in and watch him play is meaningful for the high school senior — especially because of what lies ahead Saturday.
“It means a lot,” Grunkemeyer said. “Their goal is to go out and win this week. For them to take the time out of their schedule to come out and watch me is huge. It means a lot to have Coach Franklin come out to the game.”
Grunkemeyer continues to work and prepare for his time as a Nittany Lion down the road, but he’s still trying not to think too much about that. He’s planning to be at the team’s games against Indiana and Michigan before ultimately enrolling after he graduates this winter.
He’ll have a leg up once he gets there because of the work he’s put in with his quarterback trainer Brad Maendler — who also trains Allar —and will be able to learn behind Allar for at least a year once he arrives. For the time being, he’s grateful for the work he’s had with his trainer and has already seen the work turn into results.
“You don’t always see your hard work being magnified,” Grunkemeyer said. “But when you do it’s an awesome feeling.”
