Penn State Football must add QB from transfer portal: 3 best options
As spring games and practice reach conclusion, we take a look at the three best options left in the transfer portal at quarterback as the Nittany Lions look to add depth under center
Head coach James Franklin had been adamant this offseason that Penn State Football will continue to monitor the transfer portal at all positions, including quarterback .
With only three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, two of whom have never completed a pass at the collegiate level, it would be wise for Franklin to look to bolster that position, even if it is not a quarterback who can come in and push Clifford as the starter.
Franklin mentioned in a press conference a few weeks back they wanted to get to a place after spring ball where they felt good about their number two and three, all but giving Clifford the starting job. It looked like this offseason would be a battle between Clifford and redshirt freshman Ta’Quan Roberson, but to this point that has not played out.
Redshirt junior Sean Clifford was inconsistent last season, which led to him being benched for Will Levis who has since transferred out. That inconsistency was once again on display during Saturday’s practice/scrimmage at Beaver Stadium. The same could be said for Roberson, who flashed moments of wow mixed in with an interception returned for a touchdown by freshman Kalen King.
If Roberson is not ready to be under center when the proverbial bullets start to fly in regular season play, an injury to Clifford, even for just a few quarters or drives could derail Penn State Football’s season.
Because of that Franklin has mentioned he will continue to monitor the transfer portal, and even expects to see a wave of activity as spring practices come to a close around the country, and players get more insight on depth charts and where they stand in their current situations.
If Penn State Football is going to make a move to add a quarterback in the transfer market, here are their three best options available:
3. Chris Robinson – Florida Atlantic
Robinson has plenty of experience after starting for two seasons for Lane Kiffin at FAU in 2018 and 2019.
The redshirt sophomore quarterback did not play in 2020 and has since entered the portal after throwing for over 6,200 yards and 40 touchdowns for the Owls. He went 16-10 as a starter, including an 11-3 season in his second year as a starter leading the Owls to a Boca Raton Bowl victory.
Robinson is a former four-star recruit out of Texas who was originally committed to Oklahoma out of the 2017 class. He does not have a past relationship with Penn State Football, something Franklin said he aims for in the portal.
He would be a solid addition in that he is a guy who has played a lot of football and would be a solid backup option to Clifford who could run the offense if need be, while being a mentor for the younger quarterbacks.