STATE COLLEGE | Penn State's Sean Clifford ran the 40-yard dash Friday with an edge, one he has carried for more than a decade playing quarterback. Someone forgot his invite to the NFL Combine, which Clifford turned into fuel at Penn State's Pro Day.
"Absolutely, I felt like I was snubbed at the combine for sure," Clifford said. "[With] 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."
After six years at Penn State, four as the starting quarterback, Clifford just wants his shot in an NFL training camp. So he threw everything he had at Friday's performance for NFL scouts at Penn State's Holuba Hall, feeling he came away satisfied.
Clifford ran the 40 in 4.57 seconds, a mid-range time compared to the limited number of quarterbacks who ran at the combine but one of which he was proud. Clifford also liked the way he threw to a group of receivers that included fellow draft prospects Mitchell Tinsley and Brenton Strange, returning Penn State receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Liam Clifford and newcomer Malik McClain.
Moreover, Clifford left feeling confident that he belongs in an NFL camp, even more than he did before.
"I feel like I’m truly playing my best ball," Clifford said. "The Rose Bowl speaks for itself. And I know that I’m playing my best ball and I know that I’m a pro, being able to show that today, show my speed and show my athleticism."
Clifford returned to State College after training in Florida and participating in two all-star games. At the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, which offered a return trip to the Rose Bowl, Clifford met with representatives from all 32 NFL teams. He has continued contact with 6-10, meeting last week with the Denver Broncos and next week with the Dallas Cowboys.
In those meetings, Clifford pitches his experience as a four-year starter and captain, as Penn State's winningest quarterback (32 wins) and as one who has a deep file of notes from working with four offensive coordinators.
"I feel like I can provide a lot of value to a team, whether that's being the [No. 1] guy or being a 2 or 3," he said.
Some teams have asked Clifford's former teammates about him. Center Juice Scruggs and receiver Mitchell Tinsley have answered questions regarding Clifford, of course with glowing letters of recommendation.
"Every time I say, draft him," Scruggs said. "That's a guy you should not pass on. Whoever gets him is getting a steal."
Clifford recently sold his NIL agency Limitless, which he founded with brother Liam and on whose board he still serves. The experience of starting, scaling and selling a company positioned Clifford to build broader relationships, a skill he has used through the draft process.
But ultimately, Clifford knows his on-field production will matter most. He varied his passing program Friday, throwing to receivers of different sizes (his brother is 6-1 while McClain is 6-4), making a cross-section of throws and trying to demonstrate his ability to roll out of the pocket.
Some of his throws sailed, but overall Clifford felt confident about what he showed the scouts by throwing live. He'll keep pressing until someone gives him a chance.
"That's all I need," he said. "I just need to be in a camp. I just need to be in a practice with the pros, because I know I’m a pro. I can come in and add value to a team. I know that more than anything. I still think I can play in the league 100 percent."
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