Penn State Football: Top 5 spring 2019 storylines to follow

4. Who will replace Trace McSorley?

After three years as the unquestioned leader of the Nittany Lion offense, quarterback Trace McSorley has moved on to the NFL. For the first time in several seasons, there may be a quarterback competition brewing in Happy Valley.

Presumed starter is rising redshirt senior Tommy Stevens. He sat behind McSorley for three years, showing off his skills as a quarterback in limited action but also as a running back and wide receiver in certain situations. Stevens had post regular season surgery last December and coach James Franklin was hopeful he would be a full go for spring practice. However Franklin revealed that is not the case right before spring practice began.

While Stevens is a limited participant, this opens the door for Sean Clifford. While Stevens was injured in the early part of the 2018 season, Clifford was wowing Nittany Nation while subbing in for McSorley later in games. Clifford completed his first five passes in his career for 195 yards and two touchdowns.

Stevens undoubtedly has shown loyalty to the program as he nearly transferred at the end of the 2017 season before deciding to stay. He should have the inside track to the starting job, but Clifford’s emergence last year as a backup and Stevens injury woes may create an open competition this spring and into fall camp in August.