Clemson senior quarterback Kelly Bryant has announced he will be transferring from the university after losing his starting spot to freshman Trevor Lawrence. Bryant has started the last 18 games for the Tigers, following DeShaun Watson’s shoes as a running quarterback who can also throw the ball. On Sunday, coach Dabo Swinney informed Bryant he will be backing up the true freshman. On Tuesday, Bryant told Swinney he was transferring. “They asked me how I felt about it,” Bryant told The Greenville News, regarding his meeting on Sunday with Dabo Swinney. “I was like, ‘I’m not discrediting Trevor. He’s doing everything asked of him, but on my side of it, I feel like I haven’t done anything to not be the starter. I’ve been here. I’ve waited my turn. I’ve done everything y’all have asked me to do, plus more.’ I’ve never been a distraction. I’ve never been in trouble with anything. To me, it was kind of a slap in the face.”
Under the new NCAA rules, Bryant can transfer without losing his last year of eligibility, since he hasn’t played 16 full quarters. Throughout this year, Bryant was starting the games, but splitting time with Lawrence.
Bryant completed 66% of his passes, averaging 8.6 yards per throw, amassing 610 yards of offense, directing 8 scoring drives and scoring 4 touchdowns himself. He also defeated Texas A&M on the road earlier this year in a statement game for the Tigers. However, Lawrence’s numbers are better. He’s completed 64% of his attempts, for 9.8 yards per throw. He’s also led the Tigers to 631 yards of offense, and 15 scoring, including 9 touchdown passes. Lawrence was a 5 star recruit who comitted to Clemson early on in the recruiting process and was tabbed around the nation as one of the best young talents out there.
Bryant had a phenomenal career as a Clemson Tiger, leading the team to a 16-2 record as a starter, accruing 4,300 yards of offense and 32 touchdowns. He also led the Tigers to a Palmetto Bowl victory, an ACC Championship, and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Of his time in Clemson, Bryant told The Greenville News
“I’ve been with this senior class for four years. Seeing how much we built and poured into this program, it’s tough to walk away from it, but at the same time, I’ve got to do what’s best for me. And I feel like this is the best situation for me.”
The best situation for Bryant is his next step, and the hottest question today around the college football landscape. Where will Bryant head? He’s got tons of experience, and is an exceptional passer and runner, he’d help any team immediately.
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