Is Kelly Bryant seriously a possibility?

[Seinfeld]

Ok, so I know this will get some snide remarks since it came from Bleacher Report, but I happened to be reading an article on Kelly Bryant this morning when I suddenly saw the below quote...

“Along with Missouri, Bryant also intends to visit North Carolina and Arkansas, while Mississippi State is also an option.”

It probably doesn’t mean squat until an official visit confirmed, but if we’re actually in the running, I had no idea

 

[MSUDC11]

People seem to think he is Arkansas bound to reunite with Morris, but we are definitely interested in him.

That makes me curious to see how we pursue other grad transfer QBs that could pop up (Jalen Hurts, Mason Fine, etc.). I get the sense that our staff isn’t totally sold on KT, and common sense says Mayden and Shrader probably won’t be ready next year.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Other than a 66% completion rate, he leaves a lot to be desired. Not great rush numbers and TD to Int ratio average at best. Pretty sure he wasn't able to throw the ball down the field at Clemson, so why would he here? He would also go up against an actual defense every week in the SEC. I'd pass.

He's probably a perfect fit for Mullen's offense though.

 

[MSUDawgFan86]

He’s better than anyone we have on campus. Fitz and KT can’t complete 55% consistently against AIR. Bryant’s career percentage is 66%. He also has a lot of Experience as a starter. He brings a lot to the table. Anyone who thinks he’s not an upgrade to what we have on campus currently is clueless.

 

[DAWG61]

Other than a 66% completion rate, he leaves a lot to be desired. Not great rush numbers and TD to Int ratio average at best. Pretty sure he wasn't able to throw the ball down the field at Clemson, so why would he here? He would also go up against an actual defense every week in the SEC. I'd pass.

He's probably a perfect fit for Mullen's offense though.

He had over 600 yards rushing last year with 11 rushing tds and accounted for over 3400 yards of total offense. Just last year alone he had ELEVEN games of better than 65% completion rate and several in the high 70's. He's pinpoint accurate and would be a great fit for Moorhead's offense.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

So, like I said, he had good completion %, but not a lot of TDs (13) and his int numbers were low but the ratio, like I said, wasn't good: 13:6

What you left out in his rush stats, which is why I said he would "not have great rush numbers" because he averaged 3.5ypc.

MSUDawgFan....give me KT. He's only a true soph with limited experience. He is 2-0 as a starter. His rushing is better than Kelly Bryant and he may end up a better passer. Bryant can't throw down the field. That's why he was benched even with all that Clemson WR talent where folks on this board constantly bash our WR talent (back fired on you all this weekend).

 

[TheStateUofMS]

It also could screw up our team chemistry. I think KT is going to be fine. Folks worrying about a QB transfer may be right if Bryant comes in.

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

honestly don't know if he would be any different than the current type of qb's we already have on roster. If the Moorhead style is going to be successful, It's proven he needs a good runner at QB AND a highly efficient passer. Which, I'm not sure how easy that's going to be to find. Schrader looks promising, but that's a long we will see. I'm not sure who they would get from the Juco ranks or grad transfers to challenge Mayden, Thompson, and Schrader. Mayden was a good passer in high school, but that was high school.

 

[DAWG61]

So, like I said, he had good completion %, but not a lot of TDs (13) and his int numbers were low but the ratio, like I said, wasn't good: 13:6

What you left out in his rush stats, which is why I said he would "not have great rush numbers" because he averaged 3.5ypc.

MSUDawgFan....give me KT. He's only a true soph with limited experience. He is 2-0 as a starter. His rushing is better than Kelly Bryant and he may end up a better passer. Bryant can't throw down the field. That's why he was benched even with all that Clemson WR talent where folks on this board constantly bash our WR talent (back fired on you all this weekend).

He didn't have a ton of passing tds because Clemson didn't need him to have a ton. They had 40 rushing tds and he had 11 of those. Clemson's defense was #2 in the nation behind only Alabama and they were #1 in the nation in sacks.

 

[WutheringDawg]

I know that recruiting isn't everything but Bryant was a .87 grade three star, 420th best prospect in the 14 class. Thompson was .925 four star, fifth best dual threat QB in the country.

I really don't get why we're so eager to throw the best QB recruit we've ever landed under the bus. Yeah he looked like an unprepared freshman vs. Ole Miss, and still almost completed a hell of a comeback. And then he turned around and won a bowl game with a skeleton crew, but we'll discount that because it was against Sirmon. I don't ever hear similar caveats about Fitzgerald vs Arkansas in 2016, who's defense was worse that Sirmons (by two spots), and who's DC was also gone at the end of the year.

BUT he can't even complete 50% of his passes!! Since when has 1 cold entry off the bench, one lightly-coached bowl game, and one extended practice vs. scrub u, been enough to label a guy a failure? He's got the pedigree of a passer in high school. He may have the same skill set as Fitz, but if that's the case then Fitz's high school coach grossly underutilized him because there's about a 4000 yards differential and a mountain of touchdowns between the two. I know - apples and oranges, spread and triple option.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

He didn't have a ton of passing tds because Clemson didn't need him to have a ton. They had 40 rushing tds and he had 11 of those. Clemson's defense was #2 in the nation behind only Alabama and they were #1 in the nation in sacks.

But Dawg, they needed him to throw the ball this year and he got beat out by a true freshman. Lawrence isn't your ordinary freshman, but he's a 5th year guy and couldn't beat him out. The reason: down the field passing. Why bring in someone who's not better throwing downfield than what we currently have?

We should develop what we currently have if Bryant is our only option as a grad transfer at QB.

 

[philduckworth]

It also could screw up our team chemistry. I think KT is going to be fine. Folks worrying about a QB transfer may be right if Bryant comes in.

Working out pretty well for Washington State and LSU.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Working out pretty well for Washington State and LSU.

And why would someone compare Kelly Bryant with Gardner Mindshew?????? Totally different skill sets and asking them to come into a league where defense is actually played.

Mindshew is likely a product of the Pirate's (Mike Leach) system. It's a great story, but he wasn't good anywhere else he's been and was about to sit on the bench at Bama, but went to Wazu last minute and it's been quite the 30 for 30 since then.

Please don't pretend like Mindshew woulda walked into the SEC as a grad transfer and lit up the league.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Burrow isn't the reason for LSU's success and LSU hasn't had QB chemistry in a decade.

 

[DAWG61]

But Dawg, they needed him to throw the ball this year and he got beat out by a true freshman. Lawrence isn't your ordinary freshman, but he's a 5th year guy and couldn't beat him out. The reason: down the field passing. Why bring in someone who's not better throwing downfield than what we currently have?

We should develop what we currently have if Bryant is our only option as a grad transfer at QB.

I like Keytaon more than most I really do but I see a unique opportunity here with Bryant. I see a whole bunch of new future QBs being interested in us if Bryant can come in and be successful and maybe that also ripples into better WRs wanting to come here too.

 

[Cooterpoot]

He's not coming to State. And honestly, he's not much of an upgrade beyond experience.

 

[coach66]

I keep hearing rumblings about the North Texas QB being a possible transfer

option for us. Anyone else hearing anything?

 

[philduckworth]

obviously it was a reference to your point about chemistry. QB is the most important position in football. If you have an opportunity to upgrade your roster, you do it.

 

[msstate7]

option for us. Anyone else hearing anything?

I assume that's mason fine. He has outstanding stats, but he's tiny... 5'11" 185

 

[MSUDawgFan86]

So, like I said, he had good completion %, but not a lot of TDs (13) and his int numbers were low but the ratio, like I said, wasn't good: 13:6

What you left out in his rush stats, which is why I said he would "not have great rush numbers" because he averaged 3.5ypc.

MSUDawgFan....give me KT. He's only a true soph with limited experience. He is 2-0 as a starter. His rushing is better than Kelly Bryant and he may end up a better passer. Bryant can't throw down the field. That's why he was benched even with all that Clemson WR talent where folks on this board constantly bash our WR talent (back fired on you all this weekend).

Maybe but next season if you could clone 2 State teams and I took Bryant and you took KT I’d beat you just about every time. Proven Experience and 66% completion percentage beats unproven, inexperienced 47% completion percentage. Listen I like KT but to me this isn’t that close.

 

[MSUDC11]

option for us. Anyone else hearing anything?

Very good passer, but small and not a runner at all. We would be improved in the passing game but lose the QB run element. I would certainly take him, though.

 

[patdog]

Most players like to win. If we've got a legitimate chance to pick up a 65% passer and decent runner who, by the way was good enough to start for a national title contender and is much more experienced than any QB on our roster for next year, we 17ing do it.

 

[Irondawg]

I think the tea leaves say that Joe and staff are not high on KT. No idea why that is, but they are around him all day and must have their reasons.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Most players like to win. If we've got a legitimate chance to pick up a 65% passer and decent runner who, by the way was good enough to start for a national title contender and is much more experienced than any QB on our roster for next year, we 17ing do it.

You focusing on one stat. His completion %, which was fantastic, but for some reason a 65% completion QB got beat out by a true Fr.

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

if that's the case he will probably transfer to some team to come back and kick our tail. No sense in him not progressing if they are willing to develop him. If he doesn't work out next year, it tells me JoMo can't develop for ****. Fitz and Thompson, both showed signs of improvement last year. Hasn't been seen much this year. KT has had a lot more time in the offense playing than Fitz. He should show improvement next year. If not, too me that's more on Moorhead than KT.

 

[patdog]

Yeah. That reason is because the true FR is a once in a generation player. Bottom line is, I like the QBs we have for next year, but if we've got a chance to bring this guy in, he'll be the best QB on campus pretty easily.

 

[MSUDC11]

I don’t think it’s any different than Mullen pursuing Cam Newton when he had Relf and Russell waiting in the wings. I doubt that Joe thinks he can’t make a good QB out of Keytaon, but if there’s somebody better out there then you take that person.

For the record, I don’t think we end up bringing anybody else in at QB. But if Keytaon still has a good bit of developing to do in this offense then I understand putting feelers out there.

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

i haven't heard that. He is a great passer and was overlooked a lot because of his height. I think he holds the Oklahoma high school passing record. My father-in-law grew up in the same town Fine is from and talks about him all the time. I wouldn't think we would take him because he isn't very much of runner unless Moorhead is that desperate for someone that can pass. I don't think I see Fine transferring though. He is getting a lot of attention, and if he stays on course he could see some draft possibilities even playing at North Texas.

 

[thf24]

You focusing on one stat. His completion %, which was fantastic, but for some reason a 65% completion QB got beat out by a true Fr.

High completion percentage but only 7.04 yards per attempt and a very pedestrian TD/INT ratio last year, with playoff team talent around him, against a schedule of mostly horrible defenses, should really make you wonder.

 

[Go Budaw]

Other than a 66% completion rate, he leaves a lot to be desired

You must have been one of those “elbows too pointy” guys in the old AOTD threads.

 

[Seinfeld]

I have to agree, Irondawg. Considering the struggles that Fitz has had this season along with the backlash that Moorhead has been receiving from fans ever since the KY game, it just defies all logic to not even attempt to play Thompson unless Joe just has zero desire to do so. As to what's driving it, I have no idea, but it does appear that Joe is not the least bit impressed with Thompson's ability to run his offense

 

[WutheringDawg]

I honestly just think it’s been a game flow thing that has kept from getting more PT.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Yeah. That reason is because the true FR is a once in a generation player. Bottom line is, I like the QBs we have for next year, but if we've got a chance to bring this guy in, he'll be the best QB on campus pretty easily.

I largely agree with you. I think if he's our only option as a grad transfer QB, it's okay to take him, but I trust what Joe would do in that situation. I'm not in the KT sucks and is always going to be a worse passer than Fitz camp though either.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

High completion percentage but only 7.04 yards per attempt and a very pedestrian TD/INT ratio last year, with playoff team talent around him, against a schedule of mostly horrible defenses, should really make you wonder.

^^^^^THIS...is all I'm saying.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

You must have been one of those “elbows too pointy” guys in the old AOTD threads.

Lol...nah I'm not THAT picky, but go look at his stats and tell me what else is so great about him. Decent yards passing but that's it. Joe wants an explosive offense and he wasn't an explosive play maker.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

I don’t think it’s any different than Mullen pursuing Cam Newton when he had Relf and Russell waiting in the wings. I doubt that Joe thinks he can’t make a good QB out of Keytaon, but if there’s somebody better out there then you take that person.

For the record, I don’t think we end up bringing anybody else in at QB. But if Keytaon still has a good bit of developing to do in this offense then I understand putting feelers out there.

It's a lot different. Cam Newton was a "program changer" according to Dan Mullen and I think most reasonable people would believe that. Hell, he proved it.

Kelly Bryant is not that my friend.

 

[wtw2400]

It's a lot different. Cam Newton was a "program changer" according to Dan Mullen and I think most reasonable people would believe that. Hell, he proved it.

Kelly Bryant is not that my friend.

What did Cam Newton do prior to his Auburn career that made you believe he was a program changer? Yawn

 

[HamSammich]

Well, Cam had a pretty decent college QB in front of him at Florida....... so you wouldn’t expect much there. However he only threw for 2833 and 22 touchdowns and ran for another 655 yards.... if that’s yawn stats then you have incredible expectations

 

[wtw2400]

Well, Cam had a pretty decent college QB in front of him at Florida....... so you wouldn’t expect much there. However he only threw for 2833 and 22 touchdowns and ran for another 655 yards.... if that’s yawn stats then you have incredible expectations

Yes he did great at Auburn. That was not the point. My point was what did he do PRIOR to Auburn that what make anyone think he was a game changer? Being the backup to Tebow? Stealing a computer?

I just don't see how anyone can say Bryant 100% isn't a program changer when these same people were saying Cam Newton was not.

 

[WutheringDawg]

You can certainly say that Bryant isn’t the same caliber player as Newton. We wouldn’t be having this conversation because Bryant wouldn’t have been benched.

And it feels like our memories are different on the buzz around Newton. It feels like everyone knew that he was a generational talent that would elevate his new team in ways that few others could.