Penn State may have added a major name to its future quarterback board following the program’s Elite Showcase this past weekend. Teddy Jarrard, a 6′-3″, 190-pound quarterback from North Cobb High School in Georgia, left Happy Valley with a scholarship offer in hand after working out for the coaching staff in person.
North Cobb (Ga.) Standout Teddy Jarrard Brings Elite Accuracy, Leadership, and Competitive Fire to the Nittany Lions’ Radar
Jarrard spoke with Last Word on College Football a day after receiving his offer. “The whole experience was great; everything really surprised me,” Jarrard said. “I hadn’t been to Penn State yet, and driving through Pennsylvania country in the middle of nowhere was beautiful. All of the coaches were great. Coach [James]Franklin and Coach [Trace]McSorley were all great. They picked me up in the golf cart, we drove around and toured the facility, and we talked a lot of ball. I really enjoyed it.”
Jarrard threw in front of multiple Penn State staff members, including quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien, who has followed his development closely across two schools. Jarrard previously attended North Cobb Christian before transferring this spring to North Cobb High School.
“Coach O’Brien has seen me throw at my previous school, North Cobb Christian, and during spring ball this year at North Cobb High School, where I transferred,” Jarrard said. “We’ve had a really good connection.”
When asked about his overall impressions of the campus and the facilities in Happy Valley, Jarrard didn’t hold back his enthusiasm.
“It’s the nicest facility I’ve seen, it’s all big and brand new,” he said. “It’s a program that is well off across the board from both a facilities and a coaching staff standpoint. They’ve got something going that not a lot of programs have. That’s what I saw immediately.”
Penn State’s coaching staff offered the rising junior after seeing him run and throw in person during the camp.
“I worked out, ran, and threw at the camp, and then hung out with Coach O’Brien and Coach McSorley,” Jarrard said. “They offered me after the camp.”
A Fit with Penn State’s Long-Term Vision
While the visit did not include a full scheme breakdown, the coaching staff gave Jarrard a glimpse into how he might fit in long term.
“We didn’t talk much about the scheme or fit,” he said. “They said we would save some of that for the next trip. They showed me some base stuff to dip my toes into the water. Next trip, we will plan on doing a deeper dive review. The coaches will scheme up the offense for my playing style,” Jarrard said. “I want to be around coaches and players who I’m comfortable being around, where I’m developed and where I can thrive on the field and outside of football. I want to be a place that offers stability and doesn’t go to the portal often, and Coach Franklin and the entire staff have shown they have the ability to offer all of that.”
What Jarrard did take away, however, is how much he values the developmental culture in State College.
“I think Penn State would be a great fit for me,” he said. “What they’ve done with QBs in the past is great. Obviously Drew Allar has thrived. They’ve had big guys, they’ve had small guys, and they’ve developed them all really well. That’s another trait that stands out to me is their ability to develop guys. They haven’t taken a portal quarterback in the last five years. To me, that’s a huge positive.”
Preparing for the 2025 Campaign
Jarrard, who transferred schools earlier this year, said he is embracing his new environment with leadership and energy both on and off the field.
“I think there is a great opportunity for me coming into a new school,” Jarrard said. “I’ve been in my new school for two months now, and I want to come in and change the culture as a leader, and keep building relationships with my teammates on and off the field. I’m a good teammate, fun to be around, and I feel like I can be a light that people can follow and gravitate toward.
“I lead by example. I try to build trust through my play, my personality, and the vibe I bring to the locker room. I’m going to try to continue that throughout the summer and into the fall, and work hard to get my teammates to rally around me, and we’ll get it done in the fall.”
Inside the Quarterback Profile and What Penn State Fans Should Know
Based on both full game film and highlight film from the 2024 season, Jarrard profiles as a rhythm-based, pro-style quarterback with high-end accuracy, functional mobility, and exceptional poise under pressure.
- Accuracy: Jarrard’s ball placement defines his game. He throws to spots, not just to open receivers, placing passes where only his intended target can reach them—whether on a slant through traffic, a fade in the red zone, or a back-shoulder throw along the sideline. His accuracy holds across all platforms, including clean pockets, off-schedule situations, and throws on the move. He consistently leads receivers in stride, delivers to the correct shoulder based on leverage, and fits the ball into tight windows.
- Poise and Pocket Presence: Jarrard remains calm and composed under pressure. He maintains quiet feet, climbs the pocket against edge pressure, and escapes through interior lanes with ease. He resets quickly with minimal wasted motion and keeps his eyes downfield through chaos. He looks to throw before resorting to his legs, a hallmark of a polished, pass-first quarterback.
- Touch and Velocity Control: Jarrard adjusts his velocity and trajectory with advanced feel. He layers throws with either pace or touch depending on the situation, feathering passes over second-level defenders or driving the ball into tight zone windows. His ability to alter arm speed and launch angle reflects natural arm talent and situational awareness.
- Functional Mobility and Escapability: Though not a dynamic athlete, Jarrard moves well enough to escape pressure and extend plays. He displays more quickness than expected for his size and uses smart instincts when flushed from the pocket. He runs with purpose, embraces contact, and competes physically when yardage is on the line. His ability to reset on the move and deliver accurate throws mirrors traits found in advanced pocket passers.
Jarrard’s Upside and Long-Term Projection
Jarrard’s playing style shares similarities with early-career Jared Goff coming out of high school, particularly in his rhythm, poise, and anticipation-based passing. His ability to lead, communicate, and rally teammates is evident on film and brings added value beyond his physical tools. While any quarterback making the jump to Power Four football will require development to navigate complex post-snap coverages, Jarrard’s combination of elite accuracy, quick release, leadership, and toughness makes him one of the top quarterback prospects to monitor in the 2027 class.
