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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.

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