This is Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford’s sixth year on the field. What makes it different?
Penn State football quarterback Sean Clifford is entering his fourth year as a starter, though it’s not something he would have expected when he entered the program six years ago.
He’s coming off of his best statistical season as the Nittany Lions’ starting quarterback, passing for a 61% completion rate, 3,107 yards, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His teammates, like safety Ji’Ayir Brown, see him as someone who hasn’t let the spectacle of his production interfere with his outlook on the season.
“Sean is Sean,” Brown said during media day on Saturday. “Sean’s not much different. He’s the same guy. He’s six years in, so I’m pretty sure his knowledge of the game has expanded tremendously.”
Clifford, 24, is primed for another season under center for the Nittany Lions. He has everything to look forward to — new weapons, a revamped offensive line and his last season at the helm. It’s a new experience and a familiar one all at the same time.
“It’s special. To say it’s not would be an understatement,” Clifford said Saturday. “Is it something that I thought when I came here as a freshman that I would still be here? No. Absolutely not. But life happens and it takes its turns and I’m extremely proud of what I’ve done in my career. I’m extremely proud of what our teams have done here in my time at Penn State and I’m just excited to cap it off with a bang and leave it out here on the table.”
What’s changed for Clifford?
Some things are different — for the first time in his career, Clifford has the same offensive coordinator for the second season in a row. Mike Yurcich steps into his second year at the helm of the offense. Yurcich’s offense is based on short passes to open up the deep pass. While Clifford’s yards per attempt dropped from 7.5 to 7.3 under Yurcich from former offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, Penn State ranked 25th in total passing yards (3,923).
Yurcich believes that with more repetitions and a better feel for the system, Clifford will continue to grow as a quarterback and leader. He lauded Clifford’s preparation during the offseason, calling it “phenomenal,” and he oversaw the growth of his veteran quarterback from spring practices to fall camp.
“When we have a new cycle, you’re just starting back over again from the base system of the offense — re-teaching it,” Yurcich said. “So, when you get several attempts at that, the more smooth it’s going to go and he’s eager to move on to more stuff early and maybe the offense isn’t quite ready for all of the install that he’s ready for. So, it makes it easier. Just the language and communication and all of that is an easier flow and more familiarity with the system.”
Part of Clifford’s development under Yurcich has been to key in on spreading the wealth. Yurcich wants the quarterback to take the pressure off of his shoulders and not force plays. That’s been an area where they’ve looked to improve in year six with having continuity with receivers like Parker Washington and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, along with tight ends Brenton Strange, Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren.
“I think with his experience, he understands that from a level where some fourth-year guys don’t,” Yurcich said. “He understands the scrutiny, the pressure that the position holds and just making sure that I do a good job with him. (It’s) making sure that at times we have to take a deep breath, we have to wash it and move on to the next play and have that 1-0 mentality that we have as a program and that we have at the quarterback position.”
He also has a new wide receiver — and roommate — in senior Western Kentucky transfer Mitch Tinsley. The two have developed a quick and easy bond, with Tinsley calling Clifford “a cool guy” and “definitely part of the reason why I came here.” They play video games together to form a connection, along with training and throwing routes on air.
Clifford had a strong on-field bond with former Penn State and current Washington Commanders wideout Jahan Dotson. The 2022 first-round selection built his draft stock by making catches in windows where only he and Clifford seemed to find. Dotson had 91 receptions for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. With Tinsley in the fold as a wide receiver who caught 87 passes for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns, he’s excited to watch Clifford lead the team.
“I think he definitely did a great job of being a leader since I’ve been here,” Tinsley said. “He’s the loudest voice on the team and I feel like everyone respects and listens to him. I think his mentality going into this season is, as our team motto goes, ‘1-0 mentality.’ We’re focused on Purdue and we’re not really looking at the season as a whole. We’re just looking forward to Purdue right now.”
.JPG "IMG_CottonBowl011.JPG_3_1_OOIDK509_L568492314 (1).JPG")
Finishing strong
Clifford is looking forward to leaving a strong legacy at Penn State. He currently sits third in school history with 7,839 passing yards, trailing Christian Hackenberg (8,427) and Trace McSorley (9,899). He ranks second (62) in passing touchdowns behind McSorley (77) and leads the program with a 60.4% completion rate since playing in 2018.
He wants more. Not just among his personal accolades, but he wants to be known as the best leader he could possibly be in Happy Valley.
“The main thing past the wins and losses is the leadership and what I do for my teammates,” Clifford told members of the media. “It’s not what you guys see, it’s about what my teammates see every single day. That’s what really matters to me in the end because the wins and losses take care of themselves if you’re that guy day in and day out. I’m proud of the guy that I’ve been by coming into the facility and with the same approach every single day. It’s given me a lot of opportunities and it’s time to capitalize as a team as well.”
The sixth-year senior hopes to make the most of his knowledge of the collegiate game beginning the 2022 season at Purdue on Sept. 1 under the lights.
