FOOTBALL

Sean Clifford has some bold statements ahead of the NFL Draft

On Friday, Sean Clifford had some bold statements ahead of the NFL Draft in mid-April.

Published

2 months ago

March 24, 2023

Penn State veteran Sean Clifford, Penn State football

Sep 17, 2022; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) takes a snap during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

STATE COLLEGE, PA — On Friday, the Penn State Nittany Lions held their pro day at the school’s football facilities. There, 6-year Penn State football quarterback Sean Clifford made an impact on pro scouts, and made some bold claims about his combine snub and NFL hopes. Whether you love him or hate him, Penn State veteran Sean Clifford believes in himself, and believes that he is ready for what professional football has for him.

Penn State veteran Sean Clifford believes that he is ready for for the NFL

Here is some of what Penn State veteran Sean Clifford had to say during his pro day performance on Friday.

“I feel like I was snubbed with the Combine for sure,” Clifford said. “The body of work that I’ve had with these teams here; when I didn’t see my name as a Combine guy, I felt disrespected for sure. But, hey, it’s just more fuel to the fire.

“Being able to come out here, show the scouts what I got, and being able to really just put on a show, it’s been a lot of fun, and a good way to cap off a great career at Penn State. So I’m really thankful.”

Sean Clifford has an impressive body of work with Penn State football

During his six years in State College, Penn State veteran Sean Clifford broke numerous Penn State football records — such as passing yards, passing touchdowns, and more. Additionally, Clifford became the winningest Penn State quarterback of all-time, compiling a 33-15 record and two New Year’s Six bowls during his four seasons as a starter.

When asked how he through his pro day went, Penn State veteran Sean Clifford claimed that it went “Really well … Especially getting out there and being able to show my speed. I think that’s something I really wanted to come in and kind of re-prove. I know that I’ve shown speed on film. But I wanted to come out here and post a good time. So being able to post a 4.57[-second 40-yard-dash], I’m proud of that number.”

Now that his pro day has passed, Sean Clifford has his attention on getting into the NFL — he will likely be signed after the draft as not many teams are in need of a 24-year-old quarterback. Still, he believes that all he needs is a chance.

“I just need to be in a camp,” Clifford said. “I just need to be able to be in a practice with the pros. Because I know I’m a pro, [and] I know I can come in and add value to a team. I know that more than anything. I still think that I can play in the [NFL], 100 percent, provide to a team, win games, the same way I did here.

“So it’s just being able to come out, talk to as many scouts as possible, get to know some coaches. It’s just being able to get around a bunch of teams, because I truly feel like no matter where I’m at, I could add a substantial amount of value.”

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics.

For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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FOOTBALL

Penn State football: CFB analyst claims Nittany Lions are ready to beat Ohio State, Michigan

According to a major analyst, this could be the year for Penn State football.

Published

7 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, JD Pickell, Michigan, Ohio State

Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs the ball past Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Dasan McCullough (0) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Rarely in the history of Penn State football under James Franklin has there been such an overwhelming sense of anticipation as there is now heading into the 2023 season. Just a year ago, fans held a wide range of expectations, but not a single soul could have predicted that the Nittany Lions would conclude the season with an impressive 11-2 record, securing a top 10 ranking and clinching a victory in the Rose Bowl against the PAC-12 Champions. A prominent college football analyst, JD Pickell of ON3, recently stated that Penn State is poised to finally surpass both Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.

Hype is building for Penn State football

It is no secret that Penn State football is widely regarded as one of the premier teams in college football at present. The Nittany Lions boast an abundance of talent from last year’s roster, which was among the nation’s finest, despite losses to Michigan and Ohio State.

In order to elevate themselves to the next level and establish their position as contenders for the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff, it is imperative for Penn State to conquer both the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

According to Pickell, the upcoming 2023 season presents a perfect opportunity for Penn State football to achieve all of these objectives.

JD Pickell says Penn State might be ready to beat Michigan, Ohio State in 2023

Here is what ON3 analyst JD Pickell had to say on his show, The Hard Count, about Penn State football and their hopes of climbing back to the top of the Big Ten in 2023.

“They’re getting a lot of hype now and for good reason,” Pickell said. “What would Penn State fans typically say going into last season? ‘Really good roster. Nick Singleton, we’re excited about him, but we just don’t know with Sean Clifford. How far can Sean Clifford take us?’”

“There was a feeling around Penn State that Sean Clifford was a really good quarterback, but was he a really great quarterback? Was he gonna be enough for you to beat Michigan and Ohio State? The eventual answer to that question was not necessarily was Penn State good enough collectively — Sean Clifford included — to beat Michigan or Ohio State in 2022.”

Pickell further highlighted key players in the Penn State football lineup, including Drew Allar, Olu Fashanu, Kalen King, Nick Singleton, and others, as compelling reasons to be optimistic about the Nittany Lions’ prospects this upcoming season.

He concluded his analysis by affirming that the necessary components for success are already in place for James Franklin and his coaching staff as they prepare for the 2023 season: all the pieces of the puzzle have come together for the Nittany Lions.

“All these things on paper are aligning for Penn State to go and slay the dragon,” he said. “To go and beat Ohio State. To go beat Michigan. That’s the mission now for Penn State.”

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

FOOTBALL

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience to its ranks

This week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff added more NFL experience to its ranks.

Published

14 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

2023 Penn State football coaching staff, Ola Adams

Nov 20, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Rutgers 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff made a notable addition with the inclusion of Ola Adams. Adams, previously an assistant with the Denver Broncos and a seasoned defensive play-caller for the Villanova Wildcats, brings valuable experience and expertise to the Nittany Lions as they prepare for their upcoming campaign.

Excited to join the coaching staff at @PennStateFball. Huge thanks to Coach Franklin & staff for the opportunity. Also want to give thanks to the Denver @Broncos organization for the opportunity to work for a first class program last season. Looking forward to this new chapter! pic.twitter.com/aTX23NHvwr

— Coach Ola Adams (@CoachOlaAdams) May 24, 2023

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience with new hire

Under the leadership of James Franklin, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff has undergone several minor changes, but the recent addition of Ola Adams stands out. Adams, who previously served on the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos, has joined the Penn State Nittany Lions as a defensive analyst in preparation for the 2023 season.

Adams’s background in the NFL proves to be an invaluable asset for James Franklin, especially considering the talent and potential carried by the Nittany Lions in their upcoming schedule. Before his tenure with the Broncos, Adams served as the defensive coordinator for the Villanova Wildcats at the Division 1 FCS level, which adds to his credibility as he joins James Franklin’s staff.

As an analyst, Adams’s role will not involve direct involvement in play-calling or player development. Instead, his extensive knowledge and experience will be utilized in analyzing film, scouting players, and evaluating opponents. The addition of Adams strengthens the Penn State football program with another NFL-minded individual, further enhancing their prospects.

The Nittany Lions face high expectations this season, and Adams’s presence on the coaching staff alleviates some of the pressure on the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff as they approach summer training and the opening game against West Virginia on September 2nd.

FOOTBALL

Penn State football updates roster with new enrollees

Penn State gave us our first look at the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team.

Published

22 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Matt Thomas

April 15, 2023. Tyler Warren (44) and Theo Johnson (84) join the Penn State team in singing the alma mater following the 2023 Blue-White Game. Credit: Grace Carella // Basic Blues Nation.

Nearly halfway through the first summer session of classes, Penn State football has welcomed a slow trickle of new enrollees over the last month. Last week, the football program updated its roster with the numbers and measurables for the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team. While the roster will likely be updated again before the start of the 2023 season, this update provides us our first glimpse at the progress made by these players since we last saw them on the field with a previous school or on the recruiting circuit.

Penn State football unveils numbers, lists heights and weights for new enrollees

Last week, Penn State updated its official roster for the 2023 season with the new enrollees who have arrived on campus recently. In addition to the four transfers who joined the team in May, Penn State also listed the eight freshmen from the class of 2023 who arrived in the last several days. The roster includes updated heights and weights for the new enrollees, as well as the number each will wear this fall for the Nittany Lions:

Tyriq Blanding (DT), freshman – No. 39; 6-1, 265 pounds.
Dante Cephas (WR), transfer – No. 3; 6-0, 180 pounds.
Audavion Collins (CB), transfer – No. 29; 5-11, 175 pounds.
Alonzo Ford (DT), transfer – No. 50; 6-2, 280 pounds.
Kaveion Keys (LB), freshman – No. 48; 6-2 195 pounds.
King Mack (S), freshman – No. 9; 5-10; 175 pounds.
London Montgomery (RB), freshman – No. 24; 5-10; 180 pounds.
Joseph Mupoyi (DE), freshman – No. 56; 6-5; 240 pounds.
DaKaari Nelson (S), freshman – No. 8; 6-3; 200 pounds.
Trey Potts (RB), transfer – No. 23; 5-9; 215 pounds.
Andrew Rappleyea (TE), freshman – No. 87; 6-4; 235 pounds.
Cam Wallace (RB), freshman – No. 26; 5-9; 175 pounds.

Some highlights of the roster update include transfer Alonzo Ford, who Penn State has listed as shorter and nearly 10 pounds lighter than Old Dominion had him last season. Incoming freshmen London Montgomery and Cam Wallace will need to bulk up to catch the rest of the running back room, with both weighing in at 180 pounds or less. Finally, Andrew Rappleyea comes in with a solid frame for an incoming freshman at 6-4, 235 pounds.

More on the way

The final pieces from Penn State’s class of 2023 will arrive on campus this summer before the start of fall camp. There are four more signees who will join the team before the 2023 season, including Jameial Lyons (DE), Chimdy Onoh (OL), Mason Robinson (DE), and Carmelo Taylor (WR).