2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Sean Clifford, QB, Penn State

Sean Clifford has displayed great leadership and physical toughness as the Penn State signal caller over the past few seasons. Hula Bowl scout Bryan Ault breaks down Clifford as an NFL Draft Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Sean Clifford, #14
School (Code)	PAST
DOB, Class Yr	7-14-1998, 5th year Senior
Height, Weight	6016, 213
40 Yd Dash	4.65
Arms, Hands	3112, 0934
Position/Depth	QB/Starter
Honors/Captainship	2021 William Campbell Trophy Finalist, 2021 Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalist
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	MIUN, ALAU, INPU (in-person)
Scout Name / Date	Bryan Ault / 12-3-2022

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	12 GP, 210 CMP, 330 ATT, 2543 YDS, 22 TD, 7 INT (Before Bowl Game)
2021	13 GP, 261 CMP, 429 ATT,, 3107 YDS, 21 TD, 8 INT
2020	9 GP, 152 CMP, 251 ATT, 1883 YDS, 16 TD, 9 INT
2019	12 GP, 189 CMP, 319 ATT, 2654 YDS, 23 TD, 7 INT
2018	5 CMP, 7 ATT, 195 YDS, 2 TD

Player Summary:

5th year Senior. Starts at QB. Good height, play strength, size and frame. Average deep arm, but has a good release, strong accuracy and velocity in the short-intermediate game, and outstanding mental and physical toughness. Can fit the ball into tight windows in the short game. Has a quick release and throws with zip and velocity between the hashes, hitting receivers in stride, and displays good accuracy on opposite-hash-to-sideline throws. Feels pressure and reacts, has good pocket mobility, can elude rushers and buy time with his feet. Shows ability to scan the field, move his head and pull the trigger. Is a dual-threat who can run and gain positive yards. Is physically strong and can be hard to bring down. Makes good decisions with the ball, but tends to hang on for too long and needs to learn when to throw it away. Not as accurate or effective when throwing on the move, and could develop in this area with NFL coaching. Had a fumble v. Auburn and needs to protect the ball better when he runs. Toughness is off the charts – got injured v. Purdue, but came back in two series later and managed to win the game. Shows good on-field leadership qualities. Athletic family – little brother is a sophomore WR on the team – and both graduated from a highly successful HS program (St. Xavier), from which he was the first-ever two-time team captain in school history.