Penn State Football: Will Nittany Lions avoid major setback in 2019?

Fresh face at quarterback to lead offense

After three seasons entrenched as the starting quarterback, Trace McSorley is now in the NFL. Everything was lined up for Tommy Stevens to take over the reins, but then he unexpectedly transferred to Mississippi State in the spring.

Now there’s a competition for the position and whoever wins it, will have the tough task of replicating McSorley’s success.

As of Aug. 21, James Franklin has not named the starter. Both Sean Clifford and Will Levis are battling it out. Clifford has some game experience, going 5-for-7 for 195 yards and two scores in limited appearances in four games last season. Levis is a former three-star recruit and redshirt freshman with no game experience. Clifford is the likely starter but has been pushed in camp by Levis according to reports.

Running back Miles Sanders is now in the NFL after a year as the starter but there is a bevy of talented running backs in the backfield. Ricky Slade saw limited action last season but found the endzone six times and averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 45 attempts. He is the most likely starter but redshirt sophomore Journey Brown and true freshmen Noah Cain and Devyn Ford are all too talented not to see the field.

The receivers need to see the most improvement this season and help out their inexperienced quarterback. Sophomore KJ Hamler is a star in the making and tight end Pat Freiermuth could have a breakout year. Justin Shorter and Jahan Dotson are two other names to keep an eye on.

The offensive line has been a sore spot for Nittany Lion fans since Franklin’s first season. They return three of five starters and replace two starters with two highly touted recruits. For the Lions to have a successful offense, winning the line of scrimmage will be key.