QB Clifford, team gaining confidence
McSorley successor has learned new skills
Exactly how much has Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford’s life changed since the transfer of Tommy Stevens, leaving Clifford as the projected starter for the 2019 season?
“Probably as much as you think it has,” Clifford said Friday night to a crowd of media before Penn State’s annual “Lift for Life” event, which raises money to benefit the rare disease community.
Clifford, a junior, goes from a backup mostly sneaking playing time at the end of blowouts to the spotlight. Some of those minutes may have gone to Stevens had he not been hampered by a foot injury, but it afforded Clifford some game experience.
“It’s one of those things where you can’t get caught up in it, because there’s a lot going on, and I’m here to win games,” Clifford said. “I’m here to improve this team in whatever way I can. So I try to shield myself as much as possible from it … I do my best to focus on what I need to focus on. So right now, it’s getting myself better, mentally, physically stronger, everything like that, to make sure our team’s moving in the right direction. That’s the biggest thing for me.”
Clifford’s arm strength isn’t a question. Last season, with Penn State leading Kent State, 49- 10, Clifford entered in the fourth quarter and connected with Daniel George for a 95- yard touchdown pass. That became the longest pass play and play from scrimmage in program history.
In total, Clifford completed 5 of 7 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns last season, with zero interceptions.
But in taking over for Trace McSorley, who holds school records for wins ( 31), passing yards ( 9,899), passing touchdowns ( 77) and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback ( 30), Clifford has big shoes to fill as both a player and leader.
This summer, Clifford has utilized his time to grow into his newer leadership role and improve his ground game.
“Obviously I’ve had to be a little bit more of a vocal leader,” Clifford said. “I’ve just been having fun with it and just kind of enjoying my time, and working to put this team in the best position we can.”
He put in the work to lower his 40- yard dash time and improve his running game, so he can be ready regardless of scenario.
Strength coach Dwight Galt has worked with Clifford to ensure his body is built not only for proper throwing mechanics, but also taking a hit or two.
“I came in here and I was mostly just a passer, if I’m being honest,” Clifford said. “But I think that I’ve added a whole new dual- threat type to my skill level. So I’m really excited to just show it off … This is the most confident and the most ready I’ve ever been in my life to play this position. I think that’s it’s a testament to all these guys helping me, day in and day out.”
There won’t be any drop- off “from McSorley to Cliff,” if you ask sophomore running back Ricky Slade, another player with big shoes to fill after Miles Sanders’ success last season.
“Obviously [ Clifford’s] got a huge arm,” Slade said. “But I’d say a big improvement for him has been stepping into that role, being more of a leader. And being more of a vocal leader. He’s reading the defenses better, he’s picking up on things better, changing plays better. So I think we’re going to be straight.”
After Stevens transferred, it didn’t take long for Clifford to step up and let the team know he was ready for whatever responsibility fell on his shoulders.
Per senior offensive lineman Michal Menet, Clifford addressed his teammates right afterward, assuring there won’t be any problems moving forward, as far as quarterback leadership.
“In terms of him being a more vocal leader I think it started probably that day where he got up and addressed the team said ‘ I’m here, I’m me, I’m gonna do my thing and there’s nothing to worry about,’” Menet said. “I think it was very encouraging to see his confidence right off the bat.”