Former Penn State quarterback Tommy Stevens and former offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead might end up back together this season, but according to a source close to the situation, Stevens isn’t nearing a decision, or an outright favorite just yet.
Earlier on Friday, a report by the 247 Network stated that Mississippi State is the favorite to land Penn State’s now former quarterback. He would join a quarterback room currently led by junior Keytaon Thompson, but even Thompson would have to fully earn his stripes with or without Stevens on the roster. Mississippi State’s longtime quarterback Nick Fitzgerald exhausted his eligibility following the 2018-19 season.
How much the potential for a quarterback competition at a new location plays in to his decision is unknown, however it stands to reasons he would like to avoid one if at all possible.
Back in State College, Stevens was limited during spring practice, recovering from a foot surgery he had prior to Penn State’s bowl trip to Orlando. The Indiana native returned to his home state for the procedure, watching the Nittany Lions’ eventual bowl loss to Kentucky from the couch many states away.
Stevens announced his intent to transfer a few days following Penn State’s annual spring game. As a graduate transfer, Stevens will be immediately eligible to play.
According to a source the headline was a bit of surprise, Stevens apparently still mulling over his options with schools like UMass, Miami(OH), Western Kentucky, Bowling Green, Florida Atlantic and even Illinois among a handful of others taking a look at Stevens. There is no timetable for his decision nor a list of teams that Stevens is officially considering over others.
That being said, the appeal of a potential SEC starting job, and playing under a coach he has a previous relationship is an appealing aspect that would be hard for any player to turn down.
For now Stevens will continue to listen to whoever might given him a call, with much of his football career hanging in the balance, it’s a decision that won’t be taken lightly.
