Sean Clifford appears to be the guy at quarterback with Tommy Stevens in NCAA Transfer Portal

Is Sean Clifford’s time coming sooner than expected?

Penn State’s 2019 quarterback picture got a bit of a shakeup on Wednesday when expected starter Tommy Stevens officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. There are several different reasons as to why Stevens is looking for a transfer from Penn State. Regardless of those reasons, the decision opens up the door for Sean Clifford to step in as the starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions in 2019.

Despite Stevens being the backup to Trace McSorley the past two seasons, it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that he would be the starter in 2019. Clifford looked very good in limited action last year and was a full participant in spring practice this year. Stevens, on the other hand, dealt with an injury last year and was limited this spring

Of course, Stevens hasn’t officially transferred, and he could decide to stay in the end, but that seems unlikely. That means that Clifford will essentially move into the starting quarterback position.

Clifford served as the team’s No. 3 quarterback last season and entered this spring in a battle with Stevens for the starting job. With Stevens hampered by an injury, it’s been Clifford who has had a strong spring.

Penn State head coach James Franklin wouldn’t officially name a starter in his press conference after the Blue-White Game, leading to speculation that the job could belong to Clifford. Stevens was looked at as the de facto starter heading into this year since he has more experience, but Clifford made the quarterback competition interesting.

Clifford looked impressive in the recent scrimmage game and showed flashes of greatness last year. He didn’t see much action in 2018, but completed five of seven passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He also set a Penn State record with a 95-yard touchdown pass against Kent State.

A member of the 2017 recruiting class, Clifford had a very successful high school career in Cincinnati and was ranked as a four-star recruit by 247sports. He chose Penn State over offers from Auburn, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, and Central Florida, among others.

While Clifford was likely looking at being the starting quarterback for Penn State in 2020, it appears that opportunity will now come a bit early.