After considering transfer, Tommy Stevens staying at Penn State

Penn State coach James Franklin had some good news for Nittany Lions fans Wednesday.

Backup quarterback Tommy Stevens, after exploring his options, has decided not to transfer and will return to Happy Valley next season.

"I did some searching around,'' Stevens said Wednesday. "I did talk to some schools. I looked around and found out Penn State is still the best place for me.''

Stevens, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, is expected to be Trace McSorley's backup in 2018, and he could be the Lions' starter in 2019.

"Tommy and his family handled this unbelievably well," Franklin said. "Obviously, as a coach, I am elated that Tommy is gonna stay with us.''

In limited playing time, Stevens has shown versatility as a quarterback, a halfback and a receiver. Last season as a signal-caller, he was 14 of 27 passing for 158 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 190 yards rushing and four touchdowns, as well as 60 yards receiving and two touchdowns in 2017.

"We can use him as a Wildcat quarterback," Franklin told SI.com. "We can use him in some situational stuff in the red zone. We can use him in the four-minute [offense]. We can use him as a receiver. We also want to look at him for some spots on special teams, as well. With Tommy, he wants to be a leader on the team and have a significant role.