Well, the Tigers don’t have to worry about life after Drew Lock.

Just like that, we have the first of the grad-QB transfer dominoes to fall. Former Clemson QB Kelly Bryant has announced his destination as the Missouri Tigers.

Bryant, who started all of last year and the beginning of this season, elected to transfer following losing the starting job to freshman Trevor Lawrence. For his career at Clemson, Bryant threw for 3,333 yards and 16 touchdowns, adding 987 and 16 touchdowns on the ground.

For the Tigers, this is a major addition. Senior QB Drew Lock is a presumed first round pick, and has lit the SEC up. Under first year OC Derek Dooley, the offense has exploded. While Bryant may not match up with Lock through the air, the rushing ability he presents will pair well the Tigers’ running backs.

For Head Coach Barry Odom, this is huge. Lock’s play helped to save Odom from the hot seat. If he hopes to keep momentum going, Kelly being able to play right away will be a big part of that. Bryant should instantly take a leadership role as one of the more established QBs in SEC, if not the country. If his passing develops more, he can be one of the most dangerous players in the country.

However, the only drawback is lack of SEC experience. Yes, this could entirely be a myth, but people will look at that. His only previous experience with SEC teams is a mixed bag. More recently, he played well against Texas A&M, leading the team in passing yards and to a win. His other game…. well, he was sacrificed to Nick Saban.

That being said, Mizzou fans should be excited. You replaced one star QB with another who will at least be very solid. If Dooley can work his magic again, there is no reason Bryant can’t be one of the best QBs in the SEC. If nothing else, he can help settle and guide the position. As we’ve seen, in the volatile and increasingly competitive SEC East, that can make all the difference.