Penn State Football: Tommy Stevens can help the offense
Tommy Stevens won’t get a start at quarterback next fall, barring injury. Nevertheless, he can still become a weapon for Penn State football.
Rumors continue to swirl about where he could transfer to, but for now, Tommy Stevens is a Nittany Lion. After two years of wondering and waiting, Penn State football fans can expect a lot of the backup QB. Although I’ve discussed ad nauseam what he can do for Penn State, it’s time for the coaches to utilize him.
The program needs to keep him in order to guarantee another year of success and national title aspirations. A way to do that is continue the plan that was laid out prior to the bowl game. Head coach James Franklin named him a starter at the “Lion” position.
Franklin said the soon-to-be redshirt junior needed a starting job somewhere, because he can play in so many spots. Whether it’s special teams, defense or offense, he said Stevens could see time anywhere.
The much-hyped, pre-game announcement didn’t play out that way in the game. He caught three passes for negative-one yard on offense and the talk of playing time on defense and special teams never happened.
Going into the offseason, an uneasy feeling developed. Trace McSorley firmly entrenched himself as the starting quarterback, and Stevens didn’t find a lot of reps in his new role. Nevertheless, the idea of making him a starter on offense stands out as the best option for keeping Stevens.
Beyond one-trick pony
The “Lion” position can represent a multi-dimensional weapon on offense. He should get 5-to-10 scripted plays a game whether it’s at quarterback, running back or wide receiver. The production he put up has earned him the right to get those reps.
On the ground he can become a red zone QB of sorts similar to that of J.W. Walsh at Oklahoma State in 2015. Stevens has rushed for 388 yards and six touchdowns on 8.1 yards per carry. In the passing game, he’s thrown for 194 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He takes care of the football and scores touchdowns plain and simple.
Furthermore, his receiving skills deserve more reps as well. He caught 12 passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns. He provides a tall wideout for McSorley to go to, specifically in the red zone.
Must Read: Penn State Football Rewind: Trace McSorley has huge day against Georgia State
Stevens’ skill set is so impressive – that it’d make sense for him to transfer, so he can start next fall. However, he loves Happy Valley, and he basically has the starting job in his hands for 2019. If he gets more chances to play, he’s more likely to stay.