Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant announced on Wednesday that he plans to transfer from the school now that he has lost his starting job, and head coach Dabo Swinney says he is disappointed with the decision.
Swinney told reporters that he had plans to play both Bryant and freshman Trevor Lawrence going forward, but he understands why Bryant has decided to continue his playing career elsewhere.
Dabo: “Even though I don’t think this is a great decision I respect it and it doesn’t change anything I feel for Kelly."
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 26, 2018
Dabo: "I feel like Kelly would have continued to help us win and play a lot but that’s not what he wanted to do."
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 26, 2018
Bryant said in an interview Wednesday that he felt Clemson’s decision to take away his starting job was a “slap in the face,” as he has done everything Swinney has asked of him during his time with the Tigers. Swinney doesn’t see it that way.
Dabo on “slap in the face” comment: "He’s entitled to his opinion but absolutely I think we’ve given him a fair shot. I always tried to be open, honest and transparent as possible with Kelly.” Notes how he won the job after Watson over two good QBs.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 26, 2018
Dabo: “This isn’t middle school. There’s tough decisions that have to be made at this level and you have to do what's best for the team."
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 26, 2018
Due to the NCAA’s new transfer rules, Bryant can keep a year of eligibility since he only appeared in the maximum four games before deciding to transfer. Swinney said he would hope no coach would ever take advantage of the rules by intentionally playing a player in five games, and he added that he offered Bryant the opportunity to remain with Clemson under the agreement that he would not play the remainder of the year so he could still transfer after the season.
Lawrence, a true freshman, has shown a ton of potential in Clemson’s first four games. It’s easy to see why Swinney envisions him as the team’s starter of the future, and the coach hinted before the season that his quarterback situation could become a problem. While Swinney understands Bryant’s decision, he would have undoubtedly preferred to have depth at the most important position on the field as Clemson pursues another national championship.
