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Kelly Bryant's transfer from Clemson to Jalen Hurts.
Would the Alabama quarterback leave too?
Midway through the second quarter of the team's blowout win over Louisiana-Lafayette, the answer was clear: Hurts is here to play.
And the Crimson Tide.
New Account @ftbeard_17
Great ovation for Jalen Hurts from Bama fans! #RollTide https://t.co/Xh2bEjs7tU
By virtue of his fifth season appearance, Hurts sacrificed the option to take a redshirt in 2018 and leave him alone with two years of eligibility. His decision contrasted with that of Bryant, who was unavailable to a narrow victory over Syracuse after Trevor Lawrence neck injury.
The diverging roads became fodder for debate. Bryant made a selfish move, while Hurts put the team first. Bryant protected his future, but Hurts failed in that look. Pick a side and vehemently defend it. That's the protocol.
Context matters, however: Both quarterbacks made the right choice.
Since Nick Saban tabbed Tua Tagovailoa to run the offense, the assumption has been that Hurts will earn his degree in December and then transfer. Though this destination is unclear, the program would likely offer a chance for you.
Following next season, Hurts would have one full year of starting experience and one limited campaign. Regardless of one's feelings about whether or not the future is likely, all indications are that they want to pursue a career as a quarterback.
No purpose, using a redshirt in 2018 would not have substantially benefited Hurts.
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The only reason for this shift is if it is possible to have two types of tutelage–say, David Cutcliffe at Duke or Dan Mullen at Florida. If not–and it's improbable he does–the tape will be clear by December 2019.
At that point, he's a pro-caliber quarterback or he's not.
Hurts has a lot of experience. His progress has passed, or lack thereof, will be apparent after 40-some games.
Bryant has not played enough. But while 18 starts are plenty for a credible conclusion, that's effectively only half of Hurts' college career. Bryant is a senior, so 2018 would have been last chance to prove himself at quarterback.
Although his scouting report is detailed, it's not final. Sitting behind Lawrence was not going to answer any questions about Bryant's ball placement or ability to recognize coverages.
Regardless of whether he holds NFL aspirations, those dreams are realistic to evaluators or Bryant simply wants to play as long as possible, Clemson did not offer the best chance anymore.
Peter Burns @PeterBurnsESPN
Before you rip into Kelly Bryant for his decision to transfer from Clemson, ask yourself this question ..
Would you like to be guaranteed more than one of the following?
Easy choice
Again, the situations were different.
Hurts has multiple routes to playing time, yet Bryant only controlled one avenue–and he understandably decided to pursue that path.
Yes, it would have been ideal for Clemson to have Bryant available when an injury was knocked out Lawrence. Alabama will enjoy that luxury with Hurts, the emergency man behind Tagovailoa.
"I think that speaks volumes about [Hurts’] character and just him as a man, "center Ross Pierschbacher said, per Alex Byington of the Montgomery Advertiser. "Just to be a part of this team, I just have nothing but the utmost respect for him, and I know a lot of the coaching staff and the players around really just that. . "
Saban deserves credit for watching Hurts around, Alabama players and fans should be grateful for the junior's choice.
But praising hurts should not be seen elsewhere. He can contribute to a championship-caliber team, graduating in December and still holding a starting job somewhere next season.
Not every quarterback is so fortunate.
Stats from NCAA.com, cfbstats.com or B / R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher CFB Writer Report David Kenyon on Twitter @ Kenyon19_BR.
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