Penn State football’s James Franklin confirms QB battle once again
Don’t lock Sean Clifford in as the starting quarterback for Penn State football just yet. The competition is still alive, according to James Franklin.
Every year, a player has to earn their spot on James Franklin’s team. Ever since he’s signed on with the Penn State football program, Franklin has preached competition. Nothing is given during the offseason, and every position will have a battle. Sure, we know some select players are pretty much guaranteed to start where they’re at, but Franklin won’t come outright and say that.
However, there are other spots on the roster that are truly vacant and open for the taken. As the Nittany Lions lost a few substantial contributors to the NFL draft this year, some key positions opened up — specifically the quarterback position. Over the last three seasons, Trace McSorley earned his right to start for the Lions, but this year he’s no longer in the picture.
It was assumed that McSorley’s long-term backup Tommy Stevens would become his successor, but that plan derailed once Stevens entered the infamous transfer portal. Now, the Lions are left with Junior quarterback Sean Clifford, and redshirt freshman Will Levis.
Assuming since Clifford actually has in-game experience with the Lions, he’s probably the most fit for the starting position. But James Franklin won’t look at it that way. Both passers were impressive enough to land offers from the Lions. Therefore, either guy can win the position over the summer. And James Franklin is making sure that not only Clifford and Levis understand that — but he’s making sure the public understands that as well.
A player won’t get the spot that easy…
Franklin: "Clifford and Levis are going to have a great competition. ... We'll make the decision when the decision is made, when it's obvious who our starting quarterback is. ... We have tremendous confidence in those guys."
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) July 19, 2019
As Coach Franklin approached the podium in Chicago for his Big Ten media day press conference, he anticipated the obvious questions surrounding the quarterback position. Before, Franklin mentioned that Clifford and Levis would be allowed the opportunity to earn the first-string position. On Friday, he reiterated that statement.
dark. Next. Will Levis won’t settle for backup role without fighting
“We’ll make the decision when the decision is made,” Franklin said when asked about whether Clifford or Levis will start for the Lions. So far, it sounds like Clifford has a solid lead in the race as he’s won over the locker room with his leadership. But Levis shouldn’t be counted out in the slightest. While he’s content with taking on whichever role he’s gifted, he won’t go down without a fight this summer.