Clemson QB Kelly Bryant was demoted this week in favor of freshman phenom Trevor Lawrence. Now Kelly Bryant is going to transfer leaving Clemson with virtually no quarterback depth. Chase Brice has virtually no in-game experience, and there’s no real 3rd string option – true freshman Ben Batson and WR Hunter Renfrow are the names tossed around. This is after Clemson had 3 other quarterbacks leave the program earlier this year.
From the most talented group of QB’s in the country, to 2 injuries from the QB that was probably 7th on the depth chart in January. Just ask Duke how fast injuries at the QB position can come at you.
Dabo Swinney was in a no win situation with his decision.
If Kelly Bryant had lost a game, the fans would go crazy calling for Trevor Lawrence to start. If Trevor Lawrence had started the Texas A&M game, Clemson is already looking at a loss. Make no mistake Lawrence looked overwhelmed and tentative especially when he came out in the 2nd half. Kelly Bryant kept Clemson undefeated. Against Georgia Tech though Lawrence looked like a seasoned college QB. As we’ve said on the blog before, Lawrence’s talent is undeniable. His ceiling is higher than Bryant’s… period.
Should Swinney have waited, and protected his QB depth? Did he make the right decision now giving Bryant an opportunity to transfer? Did Bryant as he said – not really have a fair shot to keep his position? Twitter thinks he did in a quick poll we did today…
Was Clemson QB Kelly Bryant given a fair shot to keep his starting job?
— AllSportsDACC (@AllSportsDACC) September 26, 2018
I think Swinney never expected Bryant to take it so hard. Bryant must have felt his starting days were over, and can you blame him for his reaction? You win every game you finish but 1. I’d be bitter to. In the end, Swinney was in a difficult spot. What I am glad for is the new Red-Shirt 4 game rule. Student Athletes rarely have control of their own collegiate destiny. David Pollack on ESPN says the rule is hurting teams, and he doesn’t like it. He’s completely wrong about this. Through no real fault of his own Bryant has lost his job, putting his shot at the next level at risk. Bryant took control of his situation, and the new rule allowed that.
Completely agree! Dabo started Bryant to begin the season & it was his job to lose. Dabo made the decision early enough in the season with new redshirt rule to give Bryant the option of transferring.
— Mike Lewis (@Mikeysurf) September 26, 2018
