Trevor Lawrence didn’t return after his injury in Clemson vs. Syracuse

In the second quarter of Clemson’s comeback win against Syracuse on Saturday, starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence took a big hit on a rushing play. As the QB lowered his shoulder, a Cuse defender’s shoulder collided with Lawrence’s head. Lawrence immediately received medical attention and was helped to the sideline.

Lawrence didn’t return. Backup Chase Brice replaced him and played well, leading a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter.

The hit that injured Lawrence appeared to be clean, given that Lawrence wasn’t defenseless, was clearly a runner, and was still in bounds with the ball when he was taken down, with the defender not leading with the crown or launching.

Unfortunately, this is what a lot of folks feared could happen with the announcement that former Tigers starter and Lawrence’s would-be backup, Kelly Bryant, would be transferring on Sept. 26. With the new redshirt rule that was passed over the summer, Bryant was able to play in up to four games and still earn a redshirt.

As for Brice, he’s a former three-star QB prospect out of Loganville, Ga. Here’s more on him, from Shakin The Southland:

At 6’3”, 205 pounds, Brice fits the right size mold for a quarterback and has a strong arm that will serve him well whenever he is called upon to lead the Tigers offense. Brice has ties to the program as his uncle, Mickey Conn, was hired by Dabo last year to serve as Senior Defensive Analyst. Dabo promoted Conn to be safeties coach and fill one of the two coaching staff holes created by Dan Brooks’ retirements and Marion Hobby’s departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Conn was a teammate of Dabo’s at Alabama in the 1990’s and started the Grayson High School football program in Georgia and coached a number of current and former Clemson players including Wayne Gallman, Nick Schuessler, and Ryan Carter.