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Kelly Bryant Loved Auburn, Couldn’t Commit

By Shea Brennaman

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: Kelly Bryant #2 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after being defeated by Alabama Crimson Tide in the AllState Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: Kelly Bryant #2 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after being defeated by Alabama Crimson Tide in the AllState Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Monday at SEC Media Days Missouri QB Kelly Bryant took the podium and explained to the media why he chose Missouri over Auburn.

Jason Marks (103.9 The UMP Athens, Alabama) asked Kelly Bryant on Monday, “you were approached by Auburn after you entered the transfer portal, when did they contact you and what was said?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdEVgmN7cBs

It is a well-known fact that once the highly touted Clemson quarterback entered the transfer portal that Auburn was one of the many schools targeting the upcoming senior. Bryant was quoted as saying that he had a “great visit” to Auburn in early December just days prior to making his announcement that he was transferring to Missouri.

Bryant was hungry for playing time and the opportunity to prove himself. If he were to come to Auburn would he have easily had that chance? Not with the impending quarterback battle developing among Joey Gatewood, Bo Nix, Malik Willis, and Cord Samberg. If Bryant were to transfer to Auburn he would be immersed within the battle to become QB1. We all knew that.

CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Kelly Bryant #2 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 38-3 in the ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 02: Kelly Bryant #2 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 38-3 in the ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Bryant said that Auburn contacted him after two weeks while Missouri contacted him immediately upon entering the transfer portal. Bryant admitted that he “loved” Auburn coming out of high school but when it came to transferring he felt that his heart was drawn to Missouri. Barry Odom was faced with the tall task of replacing 2nd round NFL Draft pick Drew Lock and found exactly what he wanted in Kelly Bryant. Bryant was promised what he’d always wanted but didn’t receive at Clemson and that was the guarantee of being QB1.

https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2018/12/kelly-bryant-has-great-visit-at-auburn-days-before-commitment-decision

Bryant went where he felt he was wanted the most and will play alongside an offensive line that ranked 13th nationally and 3rd in the SEC in total offense. It doesn’t hurt either that his offensive coordinator Derek Dooley has NFL ties that run deep. This season Bryant will be playing for a Missouri team banned from the postseason due to academic fraud but his leadership and level of play will leave a lasting positive impact on this Missouri program.

It’s not always easy for players to discuss their decisions on schools, but Kelly Bryant handled explained his decision with kindness and humility. Bryant’s story is one that didn’t end with Auburn and that’s okay. He now has opportunity and happiness while Auburn must still name a starting QB.

We wish him the best.

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