Front Porch FootballKelly Bryant’s Journey for a “Fair Shot”
by Harris Oates
Clemson fans, out of curiosity as well as resentment, have somehow managed to take their minds off of their impressive 9-0 start. No, they aren’t thinking about how they might have the best front 7 college football has ever seen, but instead are more concerned over the disrespect the nation has shown towards their program. All the national headlines can talk about is how great Alabama and their new QB out of Hawaii is, or that Jim Harbaugh has somehow summoned Michigan’s football program from the grave. When Clemson’s name does come up on a headline it’s usually about former QB Kelly Bryant, who recently reopened his recruitment with intent to transfer by the end of the month.
Bryant, just eight months removed from a College Football Playoff appearance, became one of the more notable players to exercise the NCAA’s newest addition to its eligibility rulebook. The rule put in place allows “all athletes in Division I to transfer out of their programs without permission — all they would need to do is inform their college or university they intended to do so”. It also, more notably, allows players to keep that extra year of eligibility as long as the player has fewer than 4 games logged in a season.
Kelly Bryant took advantage of the new NCAA rules. Image from Getty Images.
Although many Clemson fans were rubbed the wrong way by Bryant’s comments upon his departure, he did what was best for himself. Fans argue and complain that the full season (plus some) Bryant started should account for the “fair shot” he was sharp about, however he was most likely one hundred percent correct. The second that Trevor Lawrence, the 5 Star Freshman, walked on campus he was the man. Bryant seized the opportunity and was fortunate that the new rule was in place, as he now sets out to find that chance he was missing at the ACC powerhouse. As we are all eager to see what happens next, I have outlined 11 programs that should offer Bryant the “fair shot” he is looking for.
The Good
Auburn Tigers
Probability: High
Scheme Fit: Great
With Stidham most likely on his way out (one way or another), Bryant could come in and take over this offense and turn it into the way it should be. Auburn has found very little success without a dominant run game, which all starts with the Quarterback position. Two of the most iconic QB’s in Auburn history, Cam Newton and Nick Marshall, were dual threats and both took their teams to the National Championships while leading the SEC in run offense. The biggest concern about Bryant going to Auburn…Who would want to play in the SEC West? Auburn needs Bryant as much as Bryant needs Auburn. Clemson vs. Auburn 2020 Championship? Mark it down.
Jarrett Stidham should be out one way or the other. Image from Dothan Eagle.
Colorado Buffaloes
Probability: Low
Scheme Fit: Great
Bryant has been rumored to be getting substantial interest from the Buffs, and if true, this is huge. They are one of the programs who is on the rise and he could seriously score if he chooses Colorado. Not only is their defense great, they have the best (I repeat, the best) Wide Receiver in college football, Laviska Shenault. Despite the red underline below his first and last name on my computer, this guy is for real. I have yet to see anything legitimate on this, so it might just be a dream scenario if anything.
NC State Wolfpack
Probability: Low
Scheme Fit: Good
NC State offers a friendly offense that could favor Bryant’s style of play. With Finley leaving for the pro’s, Bryant could find his place as his successor and inherit a great offense. NC State has been no enigma to recruiting transfer QB’s, as Finley and Jacoby Brissett both transferred from Boise and Florida respectively. Bryant could follow this trend, hopefully all the way to the NFL. Bonus: Although unlikely, if Kelvin Harmon elects to stay another year that would be one heck of a receiving threat.
Missouri Tigers
Probability: High
Scheme Fit: Great
With Drew Lock graduating and leaving to pursue the NFL, Kelly Bryant could fill the void. Missouri would have to adjust their offense a bit because I don’t see Kelly Bryant thriving while throwing the ball up to 40 times a game. Bryant would be surrounded by Damarea Crockett and Larry Roundtree III, which could create a serious three headed rushing attack. He would also have one of the best Tight Ends in the SEC, Albert Okwuegbunam.
Albert Okwuegbunam is one of the best tight ends in the SEC. Image from USA Today.
Wofford Terriers
Probability: Low
Scheme Fit: Amazing
Bryant could elect to stay in South Carolina and absolutely dominate the FCS. This might not give him the best shot at becoming an NFL QB, but it’d be an awesome story to follow and could allow him to post some heisman worthy numbers.
The Bad
North Carolina Tar Heels
Probability: High
Scheme Fit: Average
I wouldn’t be surprised if Bryant ends up at ACC Rival North Carolina, but it’d really be a shame if he did. The program has been trending downwards for years and are having serious troubles in the recruiting game. Bryant would be a top ACC QB at UNC, but that is about it. I’d wave the caution flag with anything having to do with the dumpster fire Larry Fedora has created.
Larry Fedora has created a dumpster fire at UNC. Image from AP Photos.
Florida Gators
Probability: High
Scheme Fit: O.K.
The Gators offense is a good fit for Bryant and I like the way they are starting to inch closer to becoming a contender in the East. There are two problems with Bryant going to Florida. First, they seem to like Feleipe Franks and the potential that he possesses. Second, Florida has found little success in the QB position since Tim Tebow.
Mississippi State
Probability: Medium
Scheme Fit: Great
Bryant could replace Nick Fitzgerald and put Mississippi State on his shoulders, but I think this is rather unlikely. If Bryant is going to play in the SEC West he should go to Auburn, unless in fact winning isn’t important to him. (Yes I know, Auburn lost that fluke game in October).
With Fitzgerald gone next year Kelly could easily step in. Image from Sports Illustrated.
The Ugly
Arkansas
Probability: Medium
Scheme Fit: Would anyone fit?
Arkansas is the laughing stock of the SEC. Kelly, if you are reading this please don’t ruin your career.
ECU
Probability: Low
Scheme Fit: Good
I read a take on how Bryant could take over the American Conference, which would be fun to watch…in the bowl game if they make one. However, if Bryant goes to ECU, be prepared to never hear from him again.
UCLA
Probability: Low
Scheme Fit: O.K.
Alright, chill out Chip Kelly. I’m tired of bad PAC-12 teams wanting to be relevant, besides signing Snoop Dogg’s son, only to have him quit…twice.
The most relevant UCLA has been in the news. Image from AP Photos.
