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Penn State Football: Tommy Stevens starring in new role

By Collin Wieder

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 07: Tommy Stevens #2 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a first down against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 7, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Penn State defeated Northwestern 31-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 07: Tommy Stevens #2 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a first down against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 7, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Penn State defeated Northwestern 31-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Tommy Stevens became a red zone threat midway through the season. Don’t be surprised to see him in this role for the rest of the Penn State football season.

Speculation abounds when a player like Tommy Stevens is a backup. He’s a talent at the quarterback position, but he’s a top-tier athlete as well. Penn State football offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead knew this and he found a spot for him on the field, at receiver.

It’s an odd quirk in the Nittany Lions’ offense, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone. He’s built like a wide out with his 6-foot-5, 228-pound frame. With that kind of size mixed with Stevens‘ dual threat-caliber speed at quarterback makes him a talented wide out.

Halfway through the regular season, he’s got just six catches for 35 yards, but he’s got sneaky skills that make him a weapon for the offense. Defenses typically don’t respect, but teams definitely know he’s in the playbook.

In addition to his receiving skills, he’s also played running back and can run off the jet sweep. Penn State used that play last year on occasion and it resulted in first downs or touchdowns.

If he can create offense with just his presence on the field, imagine the possibilities. In two years, he proved he can manufacture yards in every possible way.

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Heading into a matchup against a stingy Michigan team, No. 2 Penn State football needs all the help it can get. Stevens can’t start at quarterback, but the offense has a mad scientist at the helm that can use his talents at receiver. Joe Moorhead understands what he has in the sophomore signal caller. I wouldn’t put it past him to use the QB in some capacity such as trick plays.

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