Former Clemson QB Chad Kelly Picks Ole Miss

Ah, EMCC strikes again. This time, in the form of 6’1″ dual-threat QB Chad Kelly.

 

The Buffalo, New York native just took the Lions of EMCC to yet another JUCO national title, while putting up absolutely silly numbers – 42 TD’s to 8 interceptions. He’s incredibly talented, and an incredibly interesting prospect for the Rebels, who have a decision to make at Quarterback next season with Kelly and the two redshirt freshmen: Ryan Buchanan and Devante Kincade.

The difference between Kelly and the recent Ole Miss signal-callers is pretty straight forward. Bo Wallace went to EMCC because of depth chart issues, while Randall Mackey went because of academic issues. Both turned out to be very effective for the Rebels, but again – with Chad Kelly’s talent comes Chad Kelly’s baggage.

The short version: he was dismissed from Clemson for behavior detrimental to the team. He got in heated arguments with coaches, escorted out of the facility by campus police; I’m sure it was quite the scene. I mean this is a guy who had his own “rap theme song” out of high school (sound cloud below).

Now, with that being said, it seems the dude can flat ball, and would be a fit into the Hugh Freeze’s system perfectly. Couldn’t you picture this on a Saturday afternoon in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaqVQSPbS7k

To play some devil’s advocate, Kelly seems like a likable enough kid who probably came into Clemson with some maturing to do. He claims he has “humbled himself” since enrolling at EMCC, and is looking forward to the next chapter of his career.

Oh, and remember that Bo Wallace guy that’s, uh… still the current quarterback. You know, the former EMCC Lion that is going to end up leaving Oxford with the most wins of any quarterback ever? He had his very fair share of “off the field” issues in his earlier years. Freeze has proven – relatively speaking – that he can handle “unruly” conduct from his players, QB’s included.

It was debated on whether or not Kelly would be worth the headache, and my response is, why not? If one of the two, Ryan or Devante wins the job, no harm done. If Kelly acts up? Well, at least we gave it a shot. If he ends up being the starter? We obviously needed him. Could it lead to a transfer from one of the two? Maybe. There is a year separation between Buchanan and Kincade, but I doubt they would be willing to wait around – or maybe so. Who knows. It will be an interesting off-season after the Peach Bowl. Let’s take one thing at a time.

If nothing else, the guy has talent and an edge. You don’t pass up on that. Well, unless Braxton Miller……. never mind.

Welcome to Oxford, Chad. We’re all hoping for the best.

 

*Section Photo credit to Tyler Smith, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Geoff Burke, USA Today Sports. 

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