Kelly Bryant, QB, Missouri #2

6025, 220, 4.64

Notes: From Calhoun Falls, SC. Cousin of ex-Clemson/Steelers and current Raiders WR Martavis Bryant. Backup QB who saw action in 8 games as a freshman in 2015; completed 7-of-9 passes for 27 yards, 1 INT and rushed 23-156-2. Saw action in 4 games in 2016, completing 6-of-9 for 48 yards, 1 TD and rushed 12-22-1. Started all 14 games in 2017 and completed 262-of-398 (65.8%) passes for 2,802 yards, 13 TD, 8 INT and rushed 192-665-11; also booted a 45-yard punt. Graduated in May 2018 with a degree in history. Opened the season as Clemson's starting quarterback, but gave way to freshman sensation Trevor Lawrence in each of the team's first four games. Then head coach Dabo Swinney named Lawrence the starter for their week five contest against Syracuse. Bryant was absent from practice Monday (excused by Swinney) and Tuesday, when he told the Greenville News his demotion “was kind of a slap in the face.” Wednesday morning, Swinney confirmed that Bryant was leaving the program to play elsewhere in 2019 as a graduate transfer. If Bryant, a fourth-year senior, played in one more game, he would not have further eligibility for 2019. In 4 games in 2018, he completed 36-of-54 passes (66.7%) for 461 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT and rushed 30-130-2 (4.3 avg.). Although he left the football program, Bryant remained enrolled in classes at Clemson through the end of 2018. Announced transfer to Missouri in December 2018.

Positives: Nice size. Very good athlete. Team leader. Shows accuracy and touch downfield. Can drop the ball over defenders. Solid deep arm. Effective runner on the read-option and quarterback draw. Can keep drives alive with his running ability. Feels pressure well. Can avoid the rush, buy time with his feet and throw on the move.

Negatives: Throws into coverage at times and makes some ill-advised throws. Inconsistent accuracy and ball placement. A split-second late on some throws. Needs to tighten up his passing mechanics as a passer.

Summary: Good all-around tools and physical ability, but is not yet a polished or consistent passer and will need time and patience to develop.