Q&A With Kelly Bryant

Note: The following appears in the Kent State gameday football program. To purchase a copy of the program while supplies last, send a check for $7 to Clemson Athletic Communications; P.O. Box 31; Clemson, SC 29633 with your return address.

Q. What compelled you to become a Tiger?A. During my recruiting process, the environment at Clemson drew me in, from the positive atmosphere to the family feel.

Q. How have you improved since the start of your college career?A. My mental knowledge of the game has expanded. I’ve learned so much in the film room and on the field.

Q. What’s the best football advice you’ve received?A. To have self-confidence. Having self-confidence has done wonders for me as a person and also as a player, because if my teammates see that I’m confident, they can follow that.

Q. What has it been like to play under head coach Dabo Swinney?A. It’s been awesome. Coach Swinney does everything and more for his players. He genuinely looks out and cares for us on and off the field.

Q. How has quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter impacted you?A. Coach Streeter has done everything to ensure I’ve had the best experience possible as a student-athlete.

Q. What did you take away from learning under Deshaun Watson?A. How he prepared was one of the things that really stuck out to me. He was always the first player at practice and the last one to leave.

Q. How do you try to set an example for your younger teammates?A. I do everything that’s asked of me by my coaches and work as hard as I can to get where I need to be and help the team get where it needs to be.

Q. What is the mentality of the offense this season?A. The offense is made up of a lot of players who are hungry to prove themselves, so there’s a lot of healthy competition on the offensive side of the football.

Q. Who are your biggest inspirations in life?A. My mom and dad. They’ve sacrificed so much to get me to where I am. I appreciate everything they’ve done. I love them, and I can’t thank them enough.

Q. Which current NFL quarterbacks do you admire?A. I like the way Cam Newton carries himself in terms of confidence. I also identify with Tom Brady and Russell Wilson, because they had underdog stories.

FAVORITESActor – Will SmithAthlete – Kobe BryantClass – Public speakingClemson football tradition – Tiger WalkDrill – Zone-read progressionFood – GumboFootball player – Tom BradyHobby – FishingMusician – Lil DurkRestaurant in Clemson – TD’s of ClemsonSport other than football – Basketball