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Penn State OC Mike Yurcich on QB Sean Clifford: ‘He wants to be great’
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There are some questions about Sean Clifford heading into the 2021 season. After struggling at times last fall, there’s been a concern that maybe he isn’t the guy to lead the Penn State offense back to the top of the B1G East.
New offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich doesn’t agree with that.
Speaking with reporters during Penn State’s media day on Saturday, Yurcich had a positive review regarding the third-year starting quarterback.
“Sean is a tremendous leader,” Yurcich said Saturday. “He wants to be great. Whatever that takes, detail in meeting, technique work.”
Clifford threw for 1,883 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2020 season, but also had 9 interceptions. He completed passes a t a 60.6% clip as the Nittany Lions closed the year with a 4-5 record.
With Will Levis and Micah Bowens transferring after the 2020 season, it’s more likely that the starting job is Clifford’s to lose. Behind him is Christian Veilleux and Ta’Quan Roberson battling for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
Yurcich says those two guys are young, but they’ve progressed nicely and sees the “maturity” in both passers.
Clifford will have to produce at a much higher level for Penn State to be successful in 2021 and re-establish itself as a power in the B1G. It sounds like Yurcich has faith that the quarterback will be able to accomplish that task.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB