Penn State football: Sean Clifford announces intent to return for 2022 season
Penn State football’s veteran quarterback is returning for one more go.
Sean Clifford, who will complete his third season as PSU’s starter in the Outback Bowl, announced his intent to return for one final season in 2022 on Friday.
In doing so, he takes up the option for a fifth season of eligibility granted by the NCAA to student-athletes as a result of the pandemic.
“Penn State is more than football for me,” he wrote. “It is family. My teammates, Coach Franklin, the staff and the community have shaped me into the man I am today and I am forever grateful. I am beyond thankful for the support system I have back home, as my mom, dad and brother have stood by me every step of the way.
“With that being said, I will be returning to Penn State to play one more season in the Blue & White. I could not pass up the chance to be with this family and play the game I love again. The opportunity to play alongside my brother, Liam, and the rest of my brothers on the team made the decision easy.
“I am extremely excited to finish the season strong in Tampa and then go to work with such a great group again! See y’all in Beaver soon…WE ARE!”
Clifford passed for 2,912 yards for Penn State in 2021, throwing 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 116 yards and two scores.
Clifford finished the regular season with 7,644 career passing yards for the Nittany Lions. He trails Trace McSorley by 2,255 yards for the all-time Penn State record.
Should Clifford remain healthy, his chances of claiming that crown seem very strong.
Clifford will be joined in the Penn State quarterback room by a pair of talented high school prospects, which should make that unit a strength for the Nittany Lions in 2022.
Penn State expects to sign On3 Consensus five-star quarterback Drew Allar in this cycle, along with On3 Consensus four-star Beau Pribula.
Clifford’s statistical success in 2021 came despite injury and illness.
He left Penn State’s game against Iowa in the first half and did not return, and was clearly physically limited two weeks later against Illinois.
An illness forced him out of Penn State’s win over Rutgers in November, as well.
In total, Penn State has posted a 22-12 record during the last three seasons.
