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Tommy Stevens needs to be worked into Penn State game plan in 2018

By Barry Leonard Jr.

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 02: Tommy Stevens #2 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is brought down by Deon'Tae Moore #56 of the Akron Zips during the second half, Moore was called for a personal foul on the play on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Akron 52-0. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 02: Tommy Stevens #2 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is brought down by Deon'Tae Moore #56 of the Akron Zips during the second half, Moore was called for a personal foul on the play on September 2, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Akron 52-0. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Tommy Stevens has a unique set of skills that must be part of the Penn State game plan on offense this season. 

Penn State backup quarterback Tommy Stevens is one of the more interesting backups in the nation. His talent and ability to do more than just throw the ball make him a very dangerous weapon on offense. Head coach James Franklin needs to find a way to get Stevens more involved in the game plan this year.

Barring an unfortunate injury, Stevens is not going to be the starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions this year. That job is obviously held by Trace McSorley.  As a senior, McSorley has high expectations and is an early favorite for the Heisman Trophy.

With McSorley firmly entrenched as the starter, Stevens will likely only see time at quarterback during blowouts, as has been the case for the majority of the past two seasons. Over his career, there have been times that he’s been on the field with McSorley and the rest of the first unit. That needs to increase in 2018.

During his two seasons as Penn State’s backup, Stevens has thrown for 194 yards and three touchdowns. He has also caught nine balls for 61 yards and two touchdowns. Stevens has done most of his damage on the ground, racking up 388 yards on 48 carries with six touchdowns.

Stevens is a playmaker when he has the ball in his hands. In the final game of the regular season last year he played a large portion of the blowout win and rushed 12 times for 113 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw for a touchdown.

Known as a runner, Stevens has a stronger arm then he’s often given credit for. His arm, paired with his legs, make him a difficult option for opposing defenses to defend.

Penn State could use Stevens in multiple sets that feature him both running or throwing the ball. He’s also shown the ability to line up as a wideout and catch the ball. Having a talented option like Stevens on offense will help make up for the loss of star running back Saquon Barkley.

A new “Lion” position was created on the depth chart last year for Stevens during the Fiesta Bowl. He didn’t register any stats, but that’s something that could be used this season.

Third-string quarterback Sean Clifford could be the future of Penn State in as little as a year, so it makes sense for the coaching staff to find more creative ways to get Stevens involved. Should Stevens get injured, Clifford could step in as the backup to McSorley.

Next: Penn State Football 2018 Player Profile: QB Sean Clifford

The start of the 2018 season is still a ways off, but it’s never too early to start thinking about ways to improve an already dangerous offense. While it likely won’t be quarterback, Penn State needs to find a way to get Tommy Stevens involved in the offense this season.

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