STATE COLLEGE — Mike Yurcich’s first year at Penn State did not go as planned.

The offensive coordinator presided over a unit that averaged just 3.2 rushing yards per attempt and scored an average of 25 points per contest.

Those numbers must improve in Year 2, and improvement is likely tied to better play at quarterback, running back and on the offensive line.

Yurcich expects more from veteran quarterback Sean Clifford this season.

Clifford is entering his fourth season as Penn State’s starter and threw for 3,107 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2021. He also was intercepted eight times. But the numbers that mattered most last season were 7 and 6. The Lions started 5-0 but dropped six of their last eight to finish 7-6.

“I think it’s like anything that you’re trying new. It’s just more repetition,” Yurcich said when asked about the advantages for Clifford in his second year operating Yurcich’s offense.

“And so whenever we have a new cycle, you’re just starting back over again from the base system of the offense, re-teaching it. So if you get several attempts at that, the more smooth it’s going to go.

“And he’s eager to move on to more stuff early. … Just the language, the communication, all of that is just an easier flow and more familiarity with the system. He’s been phenomenal in his preparation in the offseason.”

Five-star running back Nick Singleton has caught Yurcich’s eye, but he still must improve in a few areas.

Singleton, the former Governor Mifflin standout, was named the 2021 National Gatorade Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 219-pounder also enrolled early at Penn State and has impressed with his strength and conditioning work.

“Nick’s done a great job,” Yurcich said. “He’s a very gifted runner and, you know, we’re sharing a lot of reps right now, so it’s been a lot of fun to watch all the backs.

“I think we have a really good backfield and Nick has special talent but, you know, he’s still gotta progress in protections and just the fundamentals of tailback play. Whether it’s inside zone, outside zone or a gap scheme, just instinctively following his rules and securing the football.”

Yurcich also highlighted how he can have a positive impact on the run game as a play-caller.

“There’s obviously things that an offensive coordinator and a play-caller can do to play to your personnel strengths, and then maybe sometimes it’s what the defense presents and what their strength is,” Yurcich said.

“So maybe it’s double-teaming their best lineman, or maybe it’s a look-back or check-with-me at the line of scrimmage to go away from the leverage of the defense. I think those are all important things to keep in mind.”

The Lions’ two freshmen quarterbacks look more comfortable in August after participating in spring drills.

Five-star recruit Drew Allar is the big name, but coach James Franklin and Yurcich also have been impressed by his classmate, Central York’s Beau Pribula.

“They’ve grown leaps and bounds, really, from spring until now,” Yurcich said.

“(It’s) just very important that they got in early. A lot of growing pains early on that are silly mistakes, and now if there’s an error, typically, you can understand the ‘why’ behind it. … They’ve done a really good job.”

What is Yurcich’s take on the state of the Lions offensive line?

Franklin has talked repeatedly about getting more production out of the running game and staying committed to the run game, even if the results aren’t there early. That’s where the offensive line comes in.

“I like where we’re at from an offensive line perspective,” Yurcich said before Saturday’s practice.

“Those guys, we’ve had two helmets and shoulder pad practices and those guys have been very physical, their attitudes have been exceptional and their efforts have been tremendous.

“Those are the things that we can control, and we like where we’re headed. They’re coming off the ball extremely well. Coach (Phil) Trautwein’s done a helluva job getting those guys ready.”

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