Clemson Football: Kelly Bryant’s decision could haunt Tigers

Everything is looking positive for Clemson football with Trevor Lawrence directing the offense. But what happens without Kelly Bryant if he misses time?

Clemson football is in good hands with newly minted starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. But what happens if he misses any amount of time this season? What will Dabo Swinney and his coaching staff do?

Turn the keys back over to Kelly Bryant, who led the Tigers to an ACC title and spot in the College Football Playoff last year?

Nope, because Bryant confirmed on Wednesday that he will transfer after being demoted by Swinney earlier this week ahead of Saturday’s conference game with Syracuse.

Bryant was set to graduate, so this would have been it for him regardless in a Tiger uniform. But having someone with experience on the sidelines to help lead Lawrence, a true freshman, was invaluable. Plus, as mentioned, if the wonder-kid goes down, Bryant was an easy replacement to put back in.

Over 18 games as a starter, Bryant posted a 16-2 record. He told The Greenville News of his decision, not holding back his emotions.

"“I feel like it’s what’s best for me and my future. 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.”"

The problem for Clemson goes deeper than just Bryant, though.

A quick look at the 2016 Clemson roster shows Deshaun Watson, Bryant, James Barnes, Tucker Israel, Nick Schuessler and Zerrick Cooper listed as quarterbacks.

Watson obviously is now in the NFL, Schuessler graduated that season and Bryant is still there. Cooper, a top prospect, transferred after Hunter Johnson came in last year, with Barnes and Israel also leaving.

Johnson, another much-heralded recruit, left and is at Northwestern using his redshirt after losing the backup quarterback battle with Cooper last year. Cooper, meanwhile, left for Jacksonville State when Lawrence joined the program.

If this is it for Bryant, who has played in four games and cannot see action again or risk losing his year at a new school, that leaves redshirt freshman Chase Brice as the backup to Lawrence.

Brice isn’t some walk-on, as he led his Georgia high school to a state championship his senior season in 2016 and went 40-7 as a starter. But he also isn’t Lawrence, and he isn’t Bryant, and he isn’t Cooper, and he isn’t Johnson.

The fate of Clemson’s hopes in the ACC and a fourth consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff rest squarely on the shoulders of Lawrence now. Here’s to hoping the 18-year-old is ready for the pressure.