Lawrence Promoted, Bryant to Tranfser
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Courtesy of Creative Commons
By: Tristan Deschenes 09/28/2018
It’s a quarterback soap opera at Clemson. The battle for the QB job between Kelly Bryant and Trevor Lawrence has come to a close. It ended with Lawrence, the freshman quarterback and number one overall quarterback recruit out of high school, winning the starting job. Bryant , a senior and two-year-starter, will transfer after being demoted to backup.
It’s an understatement to say Bryant is not happy with the decision coach Dabo Swinney, in fact, he called the move a, “slap in the face”. Bryant waited his turn behind former All-American Deshaun Watson for two years before being given the reins to the Tigers. In his time as a starter, Bryant led the Clemson to a 16-2 record and a college football playoff appearance.
Bryant’s quarterback style relies on his legs, while his ability to throw the ball is a hole in his game. This season, Bryant has completed 67 percent of his passes for 461 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Bryant has also rushed for 66 yards and two scores. Lawrence, on the other hand, has NFL talent in his arm. So far this season, the 6’6″ 208-llb true freshman has a similar completion percentage, but has been much more productive through the air, throwing for 600 yards, 9 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Although a tough choice, Swinney believes he made the right one saying, “At the end of the day this is not middle school. You’ve got to make tough decisions.”
Kelly’s decision to transfer leaves the Tigers vulnerable at the quarterback position should Lawrence get injured. Lawrence will get his first start against Syracuse on Saturday.