Sean Clifford is still Penn State’s QB, but he’s got real competition this year
Christian Veilleux and two highly regarded freshmen could have a strong case for playing time.
Sean Clifford is slowly creeping up the all-time leaderboards for Penn State quarterbacks.
It’s no secret, though, that going into this spring the quarterback room at Penn State is one of the deepest positions for James Franklin’s squad, even if it isn’t the most top heavy.
Along with Clifford is Christian Veilleux, who put on a strong showing as a true freshman last season against Rutgers, as well as five-star recruit Drew Allar and three-star recruit Beau Pribula.
The questions as to who should be the signal caller every Saturday arose last season with only Veilleux as the true other option. Now with one of the most highly anticipated quarterback recruits since Christian Hackenburg, as well as an in-state recruit, Franklin surely has some decisions awaiting him as spring ball gets underway.
“There’s a lot to be excited about,” Franklin said when he met with the media Monday. “Whether that’s in the future or whether that’s sooner, that’s to be determined.”
While the newly re-signed Nittany Lions head coach said he’ll have a better grasp on things after a few practices go by, he did note a positive in Clifford’s camp.
Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich will return for his second season, giving Clifford stability. And even though there were “greater and higher expectations” last season, Franklin is still “comfortable and confident in Clifford.
“[Clifford’s] ability to have the same offensive coordinator two years in a row, same scheme, it could have a big impact,” Franklin said. “Not just in terms of his understanding of the offense, but really [Clifford and Yurcich’s] relationship and him understanding how Mike works, how Mike operates, and vice versa.”
Franklin noted that a stronger running game, coupled with better offensive line play, could take pressure off the quarterback and open up the run-pass option more.
The key thing for the younger quarterbacks this spring will be getting reps, whether it be with the No. 2s, the No. 3s or even the No. 1s.
“The competition is gonna bring out the best in everybody,” Franklin said. “Internally, we want that kind of competition.”