Chad Kelly to Ole Miss: Rebels Land Former Clemson, JUCO QB

It has been a long ride for Chad Kelly, but the latest path has carried the quarterback to Ole Miss. The former Clemson and East Mississippi signal-caller announced he will join the Rebels after this season.

Kelly made his intentions clear on Twitter:

Kelly, who is the nephew of Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, was in competition to take the starting position in Clemson following Tajh Boyd's departure, but didn't see those plans come to fruition. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney dismissed the quarterback and issued a statement at the time, via Ken Bradley of Sporting News:

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I have dismissed Chad Kelly for conduct detrimental to our program. He has had a pattern of behavior that is not consistent with the values of our program. I hope he will mature and grow from this and become the man and player I know he can be. I wish him nothing but the best in the future academically and athletically.

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Though he had issues while with the Tigers, Kelly helped lead East Mississippi to a NJCAA national title this season. During 12 games with the Lions, Kelly passed for 3,905 yards, 47 touchdowns and eight interceptions.    

Dan Wolken of USA Today offered his take on the potential for Kelly in Oxford:

In 2014, the Rebels rolled to a strong start in the SEC West and looked like College Football Playoff contenders. Though that fell apart late, adding a quarterback like Kelly might wind up keeping Ole Miss in contention. 

It should be interesting to see how Kelly's career takes shape with the Rebels after the issues he experienced at Clemson. After finding success at the junior college level, this looks like a shot at redemption for the talented young quarterback.

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