Clemson football QB Kelly Bryant says he's going to transfer

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Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) and quarterback

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) signs autographs at Clemson University supporters day at Memorial Stadium on Sunday, August 12, 2018.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant told coach Dabo Swinney that he was "OK" when he returned to the sideline on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

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The security of Georgia Southern Kenderick Duncan Jr. (27) wins quarterback Clemson Kelly Bryant (2) in the second quarter, Saturday, September 15, 2018, at the Memorial Stadium in Clemson. Bryant briefly left the game after the match.

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Clemson quarterback, Kelly Bryant (2), frees himself to score against Furman in the third quarter on Saturday, September 1, 2018, at Clemson's Memorial Stadium.

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Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney congratulates quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after scoring against Furman in the third quarter on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) scored against Furman in the third quarter on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Clemson Memorial Stadium.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) celebrates with defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) and running back Travis Etienne (9) after scoring against Furman in the 3rd quarter on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Memorial Stadium Clemson.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) dances during the Tigers game match against Furman on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Clemson Memorial Stadium.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) is waiting for his teammates to meet before joining them on Clemson University supporters day at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday, August 12, 2018.

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Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) and Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) sign autographs at Clemson University's Football Fan Day at Memorial Stadium on Sunday, August 12, 2018.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) in the fall testing at Clemson on Wednesday.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) reacted after throwing a bag of beans for a corn hole during the fall testing at Clemson on Wednesday.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant makes a face at a

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant smiles at teammate

Savana Jones, 8, asks Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant hugs Savana Jones,

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) during football

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant speaks to the media

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) celebrates after

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) answers questions

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) in the fourth quarter at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

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Clemson quarterbacks Kelly Bryant, Chase Brice and Trevor Lawrence watch Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

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Clemson Chase Brice quarterbacks, Trevor Lawrence, quarterback coach Brandon Streeter and quarterback Kelly Bryant watch Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) during the first quarter at Texas A & M's Kyle Field in College Station, Texas on Saturday, September 8, 2018.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) is defeated by Furman Dru Seabrook (40) and Jordan Willis (30) in the first quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium on September 1.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) greets fans at the Tiger Walk before the game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on September 1st.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) in the Tigers on Tuesday, August 21, 2018.

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) is sidelined after being injured on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson.(Photo: BART BOATWRIGHT / Staff,)Buy a photo

Kelly Bryant started the last 18 games for Clemson. He will start his next match for another school.

On Sunday, coach Dabo Swinney informed Bryant that he was no longer the starting quarterback. On Tuesday, Bryant informed Swinney that he was going to transfer.

More: Freshman Trevor Lawrence winks at Clemson starting quarterback

More: Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney had a "deep, long and moving" conversation with quarterback Kelly Bryant

Under the new NCAA guidelines, by leaving Clemson now, Bryant can save his last year of eligibility. He has not decided where he will spend it.

"I think that's what's best for me and my future," said Bryant in an exclusive interview with The Greenville News. "I just wanted to control what I could control and try to make the most of my opportunities, but in the end, I do not feel like I had a free kick."

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Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) in the third quarter at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 22, 2018. (Photo: BART BOATWRIGHT / Staff)

Bryant, an Elder from Calhoun Falls, started the first four games of the season, but shared the series with first-year Trevor Lawrence.

Bryant completed 66% of his pass attempts and averaged 8.6 yards per throw. Lawrence completed 63.9% of his attempts and averaged 9.8 yards per pitch. Bryant had 610 yards of total offense. Lawrence has compiled 631.

Bryant led eight score readers. He scored four touchdowns himself. Lawrence has flown 15 discs. He pitched nine touchdowns, including four on Saturday at Georgia Tech.

More: Clemson Football: With the transfer of Kelly Bryant, the era of Trevor Lawrence began; Now what?

Swinney said the shift rotation would continue, but he never claimed that Bryant would still take the first round. Swinney described the change as a reward for Lawrence, not a punishment for Bryant.

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Dabo Swinney "It was a bad day to be the head coach"
BART BOATWRIGHT / Staff, Greenville News

"They asked me what I thought about it," said Bryant, remembering his meeting with Swinney. "I thought, I do not discredit Trevor. He does everything that is asked of him, but for my part, I feel that I have done nothing to not be the starter. I have been here. I waited for my turn I did everything you asked me to do, and more. "

"I have never been a distraction. I have never had problems with anything. For me, it was a kind of slap.

More: How Trevor Lawrence's play forced Tigers staff to "reward productivity"

Bryant signed with Clemson in 2014 after a career in all states at Wren High School. He appeared in 12 games during his first two seasons at Clemson, while he was stopping behind Deshaun Watson.

Bryant took the lead in 2017. He became the third native of South Carolina to enter the quarterback for Clemson since 2000.

He led the Tigers to a Palmetto Bowl victory, an Atlantic Coast championship and a playoff participation in college football. Bryant has accumulated 4,300 total offensive yards and 32 touchdowns in 30 career games.

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Dabo Swinney on the appointment of Trevor Lawrence from QB
BART BOATWRIGHT / Staff, Greenville News

He compiled a record of 16-2 as a starter.

"I have been in this class for four years. Seeing how much we've built and poured into this program, it's hard to get out of it, "said Bryant. "But at the same time, I have to do what is best for me. And I have the impression that it is the best situation for me.

The demotion dropped to a favorable point of time for Bryant. The NCAA has eased restrictions on downsizing this season. Players can now appear in up to four games without sacrificing a year of eligibility.

If Bryant played for one moment against Syracuse, his university career would be over in January. By retiring from the rest of the season, he will be able to immediately play another program next year.