Penn State Football: How does Tommy Stevens fit into 2018 offense?

With Trace McSorley back for one more season with Penn State football, what does that mean for Tommy Stevens’ future?

One of the biggest questions in the early offseason for Penn State was whether backup quarterback Tommy Stevens would transfer to another school. In late March, he made the decision to stay in Happy Valley. He cited Penn State as the right place for him, his love of his teammates and the familiarity of the program. Stevens will backup Trace McSorley once again, waiting for the 2019 season to be the starter for one year.

As for the 2018 season, how will James Franklin and the coaching staff utilize Stevens?

Through two seasons, Stevens role has been limited to clean up in blowouts and in certain offensive situations. He has rushed for 388 yards and six touchdowns over the last two years and last year got involved in the passing game, notching 12 receptions for 60 yards and two scores. His throws have been limited over two years, a combined 16-for-30 for 194 yards and three touchdowns.

Stevens is quite the athletic specimen. The six-foot-five 230 pound redshirt junior is willing to take on any role given to him and it has shown over the last couple years. He loves being involved and just wants to help the team in any way he can. In 2018, it is time for the offensive coaches to give him more of a role.

During last year’s Fiesta Bowl, Stevens was listed on the team depth chart in the “Lion” role. We should expect him to be in that role every week this season. The coaches need to put him on the field more often, getting carries out of the backfield and flanking as a receiver. They need to use more two quarterback sets that we saw glimpses of a year ago. Both Stevens and McSorley have good arms, so make opposing defenses second guess as to who will be throwing. With the Lions losing big weapons from last year’s team, having Stevens step up can help fill some of that void.

Next: Alabama Football: Breaking down the QB battle entering 2018

Recently Stevens took to Twitter to laugh at Alabama’s declaration they have the best quarterback room in the country. While it was all in fun, Stevens should have plenty of opportunities this fall to prove that Penn State has the best quarterbacks in the country.