Chad Kelly, the nephew of NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, is no longer a part of the chase to be the Clemson Tigers starting QB. In fact, he is no longer even on the team following Dabo Swinney’s announcement Monday afternoon.
“I have dismissed Chad Kelly for conduct detrimental to our program,” stated Swinney. “He has had a pattern of behavior that is not consistent with the values of our program. I hope he will mature and grow from this and become the man and player I know he can be. I wish him nothing but the best in the future academically and athletically.”
There reportedly was an argument between Kelly and the coaching staff during the team’s Orange and White game on Saturday. According to an AP report he disagreed with their decision regarding going for it on a fourth down play.
He was benched during the second half of the game following two interceptions. Kelly, a sophomore, was in a three-way race for the starting QB slot competing against senior Cole Stoudt and freshman Deshaun Watson.
Kelly was a red-shirt for the 2012 season then suffered a torn ACL during the 2013 spring game. He did play in the SC State game on Sept. 7.
During the 2013 season, he played five games, was 10-17 in passing with a total of 58 yards. He had 16 rushes for 117 yards with a touchdown. Of those rushes, seven were at Virginia with 56 yards.
