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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant is swallowing a massive piece of humble pie with a side of betrayal this week after being demoted from his starting gig in favor of freshman and fourth Hanson brother Trevor Lawrence.
Coach Dabo Swinney gave Bryant, who he called the “epitome of a leader,” the day off on Monday to gather his emotions, but the 6’4”, 220 lb. QB didn’t show for practice on Tuesday either. It has recently been reported by The Greenville News that Bryant, who started the past 18 games and is 16-2 manning the ship for Clemson, plans to transfer schools following his demotion. Bryant is a senior this season but is allowed to transfer schools given the new redshirting rules which allows players to participate in up to four games in a season and still qualify for a redshirt.
He addressed his decision to The Greenville News:
“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.”
Kelly’s frustration is totally understandable. He spent the first two years as a backup under Deshaun Watson, before leading the Tigers to a 12-2 junior season and an ACC Championship title.
But, as Dabo Swinney said on the ACC teleconference: “This is not middle school. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions that are best for the team.” And numbers don’t lie…
Drive by drive breakdown of Kelly Bryant vs. Trevor Lawrence. Kelly’s been good. Trevor’s been… real good. pic.twitter.com/6O6HDN3vRC
— 💫🅰️♈️🆔 (@ADavidHaleJoint) September 24, 2018
In Clemson’s first four games, Bryant had a 66.7 completion percentage with 461 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. In that same span, Lawrence has thrown for 600 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions with a 65.0 completion percentage.
Dabo could have started Bryant in this upcoming game against Syracuse, making him ineligible to redshirt and transfer, but the Clemson coach said: “I don’t think like that. I don’t operate that way.”
Best of luck to Bryant wherever he ends up.
[h/t For The Win]