Quarterback: Battle for starting spot heads into final week of fall camp

Kelly Bryant throws as Trevor Lawrence looks on

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Aug 19, 2018, 4:03 PM

CLEMSON – Clemson’s production at quarterback last season was good, not great. For the Tigers to make a return to the College Football Playoff and also have a shot at winning the title, the quarterback play must be better.

Tony Elliott believes that will happen, no matter if it’s incumbent Kelly Bryant, true freshman Trevor Lawrence, or redshirt freshman Chase Brice.

Elliott said the most significant improvement Bryant has made is in the way he manages the offense.

"You go from game manager to game dictator,” Elliott said of Bryant’s development. "You can dictate the game and manage the protections like Deshaun did in 2016 when he was in full control of the game as opposed to just kind of going with the system. The system was able to really flourish because he was dictating the game more so than managing the game."

Bryant struggled with throws down the field last season, a glaring weakness in the semifinal loss to Alabama and in April’s spring game. However, Elliott said Bryant has made tremendous strides.

“The ball's downfield. Giving those guys a chance and putting home where they need to be,” Elliott said. “He's hitting them over the shoulder, hitting them in stride. He's ripping balls in the seams. The quick game is coming out on time, and it's getting there. You're seeing him in the pocket and he's firing the ball out there and making the field-out cuts, those type of plays."

Elliott also likes what he sees out of Brice, who hasn’t conceded a spot on the depth chart.

"Chase, I tell you what man. He's been the best guy some days coming out of it,” Elliott said. “Really proud of him and really confident in him. He has battled. It ain't already decided. Chase is battling."

Lawrence, who many expect to play significant snaps this season, has been impressive as much with his as legs as he has his arm.

"You're going against A.J. (Terrell) and Trayvon (Mullen), and you got (Tanner) Muse back there who can run, so the windows are tight,” Elliott said. “The thing that has impressed me is his ability to extend plays. He has a knack for extending the play and keeping his eyes downfield. He knows when to run, but he can also turn it into a big (passing) play down the field. Even though it might be a broken play, he can extend it.

"Now he's getting to the point where the blitz recognition is starting to slow down for him."