The Clemson quarterback situation nearly experienced a shakeup before the incumbent had a change of heart.

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant competed with Trevor Lawrence and Chase Brice for the starting job, and was recently named the starter before Clemson opens the season Saturday against Furman.

Perhaps part of the issue was Bryant led Clemson to the College Football Playoff and ACC title, but still had to compete to keep his job. Clemson already had one projected star quarterback transfer this offseason when Hunter Johnson, a former 5-star prospect, ultimately announced he would head to Northwestern.

“It crossed my mind, but I feel like if I would’ve left would I have been doing the same thing, had to go out, prove myself, compete again,” Bryant said, according to Matt Connolly of The State newspaper. “But that’s not in my character to just leave like that, especially with the guys I came in with being a big, tight group. We’ve done so much.”

Coach Dabo Swinney said Lawrence is expected to play against Furman as the highly touted Georgia prep star has drawn plenty of attention. Lawrence was among the top overall recruits in the most recent recruiting class and was 11-for-16 for 122 yards in the spring game, including a 50-yard touchown.