Clemson QB reportedly makes decision to transfer after losing starting job
Clemson will have one less quarterback on its roster.
On Wednesday, the Greenville News reported that former Clemson starting quarterback Kelly Bryant has decided to transfer from the program after learning that Trevor Lawrence will be the team’s starter moving forward. According to the report, Bryant informed head coach Dabo Swinney of his decision Tuesday.
Under the new NCAA redshirt rule, Bryant can still save his final year of eligibility and will be able to play somewhere else. He has not named a destination yet.
“I feel like it’s what’s best for me and my future,” Bryant told the Greenville News. “I was just going to control what I could control and try to make the most of my opportunity, but at the end of the day, I just don’t feel like I’ve gotten a fair shot.”
Bryant started the last 18 games for Clemson. Lawrence, who will be the Tigers’ starter going forward, is a freshman.
“They asked me how I felt about it,” Bryant said. “I was like, ‘I’m not discrediting Trevor. He’s done 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.”
Bryant has thrown for 461 yards and two touchdowns for Clemson this season and has added 130 yards and two scores on the ground. Last year, he amassed 2,802 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air and had 665 yards and 11 touchdowns as a rusher.
Lawrence, who has played in all four games this season as well, has 600 yards and nine touchdowns.
Bryant was 16-2 as Clemson’s starting quarterback.