Heisman Rankings 2018: Top 20 Heisman Trophy candidates

Before we all start going crazy and saying Kelly Bryant may not start every game for the Clemson Tigers this season, remember this, he waited for his chance to shine for the Tigers, and when healthy, was a dominant quarterback in 2017. The fact that he had to replace a legend in Deshaun Watson makes his 2017 season that much more impressive, and he should have every opportunity to hold onto the job if he plays well.

Now, if he does play well, there is no way that he won’t be in the conversation for a Heisman Trophy. The Tigers are going to be playing on the national stage all season long, and after leading the team to a 12-2 record last season, including a No. 4 final ranking in the AP Poll, you have to think big things are coming from Bryant in year two as a starter.

Last season, Bryant passed for over 2,800 yards as the starting quarterback for Clemson, tossing 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions. He also rushed for nearly 700 yards and 11 scores, which is not too shabby for a guy who basically had to watch Watson destroy the college football landscape the previous two seasons.

Clemson is back with a dominant defensive line, which has possibly four first round picks on it, and their running back is the best in the conference. Bryant will be looked at as the leader of this team in his final year with the Tigers, and will definitely have a better season than the 24 total touchdowns he accounted for in 2017.

Tyler Lawrence is breathing down his neck, and as the No. 1 overall player in the country last season, he has every right to be getting the kind of love he has heading into his first season with the Tigers. The point is, with Bryant under center, there is no rush to put the kid in too soon, as he will have three years to start being that Bryant is a senior, and has the experience to lead this team in 2018.