Kelly Bryant: "All of us prepare like we are starters" |
Clemson sophomore quarterback Kelly Bryant has had a full year to get acclimated to the ends and outs of college football and the grind of being a student-athlete at Clemson.
Bryant spoke to the media on Wednesday and said that he is feeling more comfortable in all the mental aspects of the game. There is no question that Deshaun Watson is the starter for the Clemson football team, but he, Nick Schuessler, and Zerrick Cooper are preparing every day like they are the starters. "I prepare because you never know what is going to happen out there," Bryant said. "We are all preparing like we are the starters. So there is no preparation difference from the first string, second, third, or whatever. All of us prepare like we are starters." Bryant said last season it was a tall task to learn the offense but things are slowing down for him now. "Last year I was just trying to learn on the fly, coming in and having to install it day by day. Just trying to maintain and make sure I keep up with everything, but now it is slightly slowing down for me." Bryant said. "I'm not rushing as much. I know where I need to go with the ball, but now it is just being consistent with my decision making and all my throws." One of the areas Bryant said he has improved the most is recognizing defenses. "I feel like coverage recognition is coming to me. I know what to see out there," Bryant said. "I'm always still trying to learn a little bit more. I feel like that is one of the things I have gotten better is watching film more and recognizing everything - seeing what the front is doing, how the linebackers and safeties are rotating and all that. I feel like I am getting better." Last season as a true freshman, Bryant was Clemson's fifth-leading rusher with 156 yards and two touchdowns despite only playing in eight games. Bryant also completed 7-9 passes for 27 yards.
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