On Monday evening, there were 2 reports that Clemson Tigers QB Kelly Bryant had canceled his planned Official Visit to Miami.

Looking to find a school where he could play as a 5th year grad transfer, Bryant elected to leave Clemson after the Tigers promoted freshman superstar Trevor Lawrence to starting QB back in September. With a need for a QB to be added to the roster, Miami reached out to Bryant in recent weeks.

In a recent interview with 247sports, Bryant was very complimentary of Mark Richt as a coach, detailing his history of getting QBs drafted. That obviously appealed to Bryant, and the South Carolina native set up an OV to Miami after contact between the parties was made.

After a very strong performance from N’Kosi Perry on Saturday at Virginia Tech, and Mark Richt’s statements on WQAM radio this morning that Perry is “in the driver’s seat” for the starting QB job heading into the offseason, Bryant has had a change of heart. As detailed above, Bryant will not be coming to Coral Gables, and instead take his final OV to Auburn before announcing his decision in early December.

For Miami, this is fine. Miami has 3 freshmen on the roster: RS FRs N’Kosi Perry and Cade Weldon, and true FR Jarren Williams. Barring attrition, all 3 should be back in Coral Gables in 2018, and all have Miami-caliber talent (though all might not start here in their college careers.

The main point — Recruiting Rule #1 for the uninitiated — is that Miami need’s a QB in every class, this one included. Whether that was Bryant or a HS recruit prospect, there is a need to add a player at this position in this offseason.

With Bryant off the board, Miami will have to turn their focus to other transfers (if/when they become available), or HS players who have not yet moved to the top of the board. Either way, as indicated (and elaborated) in Recruiting Rule #1, Miami HAS TO add a QB in this class.

Who that QB will be remains to be seen.

Miami concludes the regular season this Saturday against the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Go Canes