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From one State to another: Tommy Stevens reuniting with Joe Moorhead at Mississippi State

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Tommy Stevens is back in Joe Moorhead’s offense.

Friday morning, the former Penn State quarterback announced that he was committing to Mississippi State, where he’ll reunite with his former offensive coordinator. As a graduate transfer, Stevens is immediately eligible and will have one year to play for the Bulldogs.

Stevens made his announcement via Twitter. In addition to announcing his commitment decision, the quarterback also thanked Penn State.

“After carefully considering the numerous opportunities presented to me, taking four official visits and weighing the most important factors to my family and I, I have decided for my fifth and final year of eligibility I will be joining Coach Moorhead and his staff at Mississippi State University,” Stevens wrote. “I am very blessed to have the opportunity to go to a place like MSU, where I can create more relationships and more experiences.”

Stevens decided to transfer from Penn State following spring practice, when James Franklin considered the starting job a competition between Stevens and Sean Clifford. Stevens didn’t want to run the risk of not getting the job after sitting the past three years behind Trace McSorley.

Stevens played backup to Trace McSorley in his first three seasons in Happy Valley, but had such a unique skillset that James Franklin utilized him in different roles. Stevens was used as a passer, runner and a receiver over the last three years.

This year, however, with McSorley out of the picture, Stevens was going to challenge for the starting role and likely take on the quarterback position in a full-time capacity. An injury midway through the 2018 season may have hindered his progress, allowing Clifford to gain some ground.

Stevens completed 24-of-41 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns over three seasons. He also rushed for 506 yards and eight touchdowns and had 62 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown catches.

In addition to Mississippi State, Stevens considered Miami (OH), Illinois and Kentucky.

Dustin Schutte

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