When Clemson defeated Wofford last Saturday, a record number of freshmen saw playing time in the season opener. The 27 true freshmen and redshirt freshmen who recorded their first snaps in Death Valley were among the largest group of freshmen to play in an opening game throughout the country. One of the 27 Tigers was third-string quarterback Kelly Braynt.

Throughout fall camp, the coaches evaluated Bryant to determine whether or not they may redshirt him for his freshman year. Although head coach Dabo Swinney said he would play at the end of camp, the answer was truly clear when Bryant ran down the Hill and made his Clemson debut against Wofford.

“It was like a surreal feeling just getting on the bus, going through all the preparation. Once we got to the top of the hill, looking out and seeing all of the fans, I was like, ‘Wow! I’m really about to run down the hill and get to play for my first time in Death Valley. It was a really exciting experience and I just can’t wait to do it this weekend and the weekends to come,” Bryant said.

Bryant was unsure of when his name might be called, but he trusted the coaches and felt prepared when Swinney told him to put his helmet on and take the field.

“I was going to go in the next series, but he called my name and that’s something he always preached is be ready when your name is called. I was ready, a little bit nervous, but at the same time, I was excited,” Bryant said.

Bryant completed 3 of 4 passes for 19 yards, and ended the day with 34 total yards of offense after rushing for 15 yards as well in his six plays on the field.

“It was faster than I thought. I kind of found myself running a little bit faster than I what I thought,” Bryant said. “As the game progressed, I felt like it slowed down a little bit for me. I just kind of found myself and I was just playing at a pace that I was very comfortable with.”

One big play in particular didn’t happen too fast for the freshman. When a bad snap soared over Bryant’s head and into the end zone, he knew what to do because he had ran similar drills with quarterback coach Brandon Streeter. However, instead of falling on the ball like he had practiced and letting Wofford get the safety, Bryant picked it up and ran with it for a short gain.

“I felt like I could pick it up and try to do something with it. Luckily I ended up getting a one yard gain after running about like 40 yards so it was pretty exciting,” Bryant said.

That play showed Bryant’s knowledge of the game and his ability to think quickly when something unexpected occurs. Bryant mentioned he admires how knowledgeable Watson is, so he likes to watch him and Schuessler prepare in hopes of emulating their knowledge of the game in his own plays.

“I just took a step back and just watched Deshaun and Nick and how they prepare,” Bryant said. “Just looking at them and how they prepare kind of helped me a lot.

“He  (Watson) just goes about his business in a business-like manor,” Bryant continued. “Being in the film room with him, he’s so knowledgeable of the game it just makes me want to be knowledgeable as well.”