Clemson QB Kelly Bryant listed as top Heisman candidate for 2018

Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant was not named a finalist for the 2017 Heisman trophy award, but he is already being listed as a candidate for next year.

Bryant was ranked as the top Heisman candidate for 2018 by NFL.com after leading the Tigers to the College Football Playoff this season. Clemson is the No. 1 seed and will face Alabama in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

The junior has completed better than 66 percent of his passes and has thrown for 2,426 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Bryant has also rushed for 639 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Clemson is undefeated in games that Bryant has started and finished.

The former Wren star has been playing his best football at the end of the year as he completed his first 15 passes in the ACC championship game against Miami, breaking Deshaun Watson’s ACC title game record for consecutive completions.

Over the past three games Bryant has thrown for six touchdowns and one pick and also has a rushing touchdown.

The rest of the list of Heisman candidates includes Georgia running back D’Andre Swift, Oregon QB Justin Herbert, Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham, Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver, Alabama QB Jalen Hurts, Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins, Arizona QB Khalil Tate, Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor and Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa.

This story was originally published December 7, 2017 at 11:36 AM with the headline "Clemson QB Kelly Bryant listed as top Heisman candidate for 2018."