Clemson's Bryant to transfer, calls QB switch 'slap in the face'

Quarterback Kelly Bryant announced his intention to transfer out of Clemson on Wednesday.

The decision comes after Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney sent Bryant to the bench and promoted freshman Trevor Lawrence to starter on Monday.

"I feel like it's what's best for me and my future," Bryant said to Manie Robinson of The Greenville News. "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."

After Deshaun Watson's graduation, Bryant took the reins of the program and led Clemson to the College Football Playoff in 2017.

He's split time with Lawrence, a five-star recruit, this season and Swinney said the rotation would continue. Bryant feels he hasn't done anything to deserve the demotion, and expressed those feelings to his coach.

"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," he told Robinson.

Under NCAA guidelines, a player can play four games in a season and keep their final year of eligibility. Bryant hasn't used his redshirt year, and therefore he can sit the rest of the 2018 season and remain eligible to play elsewhere next year.

Through four games, and four victories, Lawrence has been the more effective passer for Clemson in 2018, though Bryant provides an added dynamic with his legs.