Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant was informed by head coach Dabo Swinney over the weekend that he will no longer be the team’s starting quarterback, and the senior has confirmed that he plans to leave the school.
Bryant told Manie Robinson of The Greenville News that he will transfer from Clemson and salvage his final year of eligibility, though he has not yet decided where he plans to enroll. He said he met with Swinney on Sunday and was told the Tigers would continue to rotate between him and freshman Trevor Lawrence, but Lawrence was going to start.
“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,” Bryant said. “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.”
Bryant had a record of 16-2 as a starter at Clemson, leading the Tigers to an ACC Championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Both he and Lawrence have played well this season, but Lawrence has led 15 scoring drives to Bryant’s eight. The freshman has completed 39-of-60 passes for 600 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions in four games. He has flashed a ton of potential and looks like he will be Clemson’s starting QB for years, which is likely why Swinney wants to give him more exposure.
With the NCAA’s new transfer rules, Bryant will keep a year of eligibility by transferring now since he only appeared in four games. Swinney hinted early on that having two starting-caliber quarterbacks could create an issue, so Bryant’s decision to transfer isn’t a huge surprise.
