Penn State Football QB Breakdown | Biggest challenge to Sean Clifford? Christian Veilleux’s role?

Can he be enough of a passer?

3. Will Levis 

The video from last week of Will Levis absolutely firing footballs around to receivers has now gone viral, and rightfully so. Levis’ canon for an arm is on full display, but many Penn State Football fans know he can sling it, but can he do that against cover 3 on third down is the question.

Levis was given limited reps in 2019 under offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne but did get the start against Rutgers late in the season and come in for an injured Clifford in the game at Ohio State. We saw a heavy dose of read option and quarterback runs when Levis was in the game, and when he did pass it was simple, one read quick throws.

In 2020, Levis was again thrust into action in relief of a struggling Clifford in Week 4 against Nebraska, and almost mounted a three score comeback. Levis was given the starting nod against Iowa the following week but struggled, and was benched for Clifford later in the game.

For the season, Levis completed 60% of his passes for 421 yards and one touchdown, and proved he is a very solid backup, but is probably not more then that at this level of college football.

Levis is a bruising runner with the ball in his hands, and a a freak athlete, but, this spread attack is going to require a quarterback that can make throws from the pocket consistently.

In Yurcich’s three power five coaching jobs, he has yet to have a quarterback like Levis who is more of a runner then a passer. It appears to not be a great scheme fit for the Connecticut native and expect a slide down the depth chart this season.