Clemson Tigers senior QB Kelly Bryant, who went 16-2 as a starter and led Clemson to the College Football Playoff last year, has decided to transfer to another school after head coach Dabo Swinney announced that freshman QB Trevor Lawrence will be the starter moving forward.
Bryant started the first four games this season but split time with Lawrence, who leads the team with 600 passing yards and nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. Bryant has 461 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception, to go along with 130 rushing yards and two rushing TDS.
Of his meeting with Swinney on Monday and his decision to transfer, Bryant tells the Greenville News,
"They asked me how I felt about it. 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."
"I feel like it's what's best for me and my future," Bryant said. "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."
According to ESPN, under the new redshirting rules this season, Bryant has an opportunity to transfer with one year of eligibility remaining because he played in only four games this season. The new rule states that players who participate in four games or fewer can retain the season of eligibility.
Clemson, 4-0, is ranked third in the country as they prepare to host Syracuse on Saturday. That game, airing on ABC, is scheduled to kickoff at 12pm ET.
