The winds of change have swept through the Penn State football program, ushering in a new era under head coach Matt Campbell. With James Franklin's departure in October and Campbell stepping in by December, the quarterback room has seen one of the most significant transformations.
Gone are last year's quarterbacks, replaced by a fresh group eager to make their mark. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of change, a familiar face remains-Trace McSorley, a Penn State legend, now serving as the assistant quarterbacks coach.
McSorley's presence is more than just a nod to the past; it's a strategic move by Campbell to maintain a thread of continuity within the program. His role alongside offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters is pivotal, offering guidance and mentorship to the new crop of signal-callers, including Rocco Becht and Alex Manske.
Waters couldn't be more thrilled about McSorley's involvement. "It's been awesome," he shared.
"Having Trace with us is incredible. I've always respected him as a player, and now working with him, it's clear why he's so revered.
His insight and experience are invaluable."
McSorley, who transitioned into coaching last spring under Franklin, brings a wealth of experience from his playing days at Penn State (2014-18) and his time in the NFL. His ability to relate to the current quarterbacks, like Drew Allar and Ethan Grunkemeyer, was a key reason for his initial hire. Now, Campbell sees McSorley forging a similar bond with Becht, a seasoned quarterback who made his mark at Iowa State.
"In my mind, Rocco and Trace share similar traits," Campbell noted. "Their approach to the game and their leadership qualities are remarkable. Trace's influence on Rocco could be transformative."
Becht, known for his resilience and leadership, mirrors McSorley's tenacity. He's played through injuries and led multiple game-winning drives, leaving a legacy at Iowa State. McSorley, too, left Penn State with his name etched in the record books.
"This place means everything to Trace," Waters emphasized. "His experiences are a treasure trove for Rocco and the other quarterbacks. We're going to leverage his knowledge to the fullest."
McSorley's impact extends beyond the present. He's poised to shape the future with emerging talents like Manske, a promising redshirt freshman, and incoming prospects Peyton Falzone and Kase Evans. The quarterback room also welcomes D-III All-American Connor Barry, adding depth and potential.
"For someone who's won so much here and done it the right way, learning from Trace is a gift," Waters said. "His connection to this place and his experiences are lessons we can all draw from."
With Campbell's new staff, including key figures like associate head coach Terry Smith and linebackers coach Dan Connor, McSorley is a bridge linking Penn State's storied past to its promising future. His influence in the quarterback room is anticipated to be a game-changer.
"Trace's career in coaching is just beginning, and it's already showing signs of being something special," Campbell remarked. "His insights and thoughts on moving forward are crucial, and we're excited to see where this journey takes us."