Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford on his NFL combine snub: ‘I felt disrespected’

STATE COLLEGE — Sean Clifford returned to Penn State on Friday determined to provide some answers for NFL teams and answer some critics.

The former PSU quarterback was part of the Nittany Lions’ pro day contingent that worked out for scouts and coaches at the program’s football facilities.

Clifford, a four-year starter and a four-time captain, ran a 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds, and he followed up with throwing drills to a cast that included former Penn State tight end Brenton Strange, former PSU wideout Mitchell Tinsley and current Lions receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith.

Clifford was happy, more than happy, with his 40 time.

Clifford was not happy he was on the outside looking in at the recent NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Seven Lions were invited to the combine, including Strange and Tinsley. Clifford, who finished his college career with 32 wins and 86 touchdown passes, was not.

Fifteen quarterbacks were invited to the combine, including former Penn State quarterback Will Levis — who transferred to Kentucky — and Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell.

The 6-foot-2, 218-pound Clifford said the combine snub has added further motivation as he attempts to find an NFL home.

“Absolutely,” Clifford said after finishing his workout inside Holuba Hall. “I mean, I feel like I was snubbed at the combine, for sure.

“The body of work that I’ve had with these (Penn State) teams here, you know, 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 and just 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. A good way to cap off a great career at Penn State.”

Clifford said he has spent time recently in Florida working with quarterbacks coach Tony Racioppi. The QB also said his athleticism has drawn praise from NFL teams.

“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 4.57, I’m proud of that, proud of that number,” Clifford said. “Being able to pop a 4.5, not a lot of quarterbacks can do that.”

What was the focus of his work with Racioppi?

“I wanted to kind of clean up my mechanics as much as I could,” he said. “I feel I have a very clean throw. But being able to work on a couple things — shoulder close, little details — to just be able to take me to the next level.

“I feel like I’m truly playing my best ball. … I know that I’m playing my best ball, and I know that I’m a pro.”