Clemson Football Newcomers: Hunter Johnson
With fall camp on the horizon, I wanted to take one last look at Clemson’s 2017 signees. A few of these true freshman may push for playing time this season. Today’s edition features quarterback, Hunter Johnson.
Clemson wasted no time in finding Deshaun Watson’s replacement. Out goes one five-star quarterback prospect and in-comes another one in Hunter Johnson. Hailing from Brownsburg, Indiana, Johnson was one of the premier pocket passers in the country in 2017. You can view my scouting report of Johnson here.
Recruitment:
Johnson, similar to fellow 2017 signee, Tee Higgins was once a Tennessee commit. Ultimately, Dabo Swinney and company were able to lure the highly coveted signal caller to Death Valley. Aside from the news of Johnson’s commitment to Clemson there was very little scrutiny surrounding his recruitment.
Chances at playing time:
Coming into fall camp, Johnson has a legitimate shot at starting for the Tigers this season. An early enrollee, Johnson was able to hold his own against more experienced quarterbacks in Kelly Bryant, Zerrick Cooper and Tucker Israel during spring camp. Dabo Swinney has not named a starter, but, it is clear that Kelly Bryant has an upper hand given his time in the program and his comfortability within the offense.
Being as though it is a genuine competition, I believe Johnson will play in 2017. I expect this quarterback competition to play out similar to the one between Deshaun Watson and Cole Stoudt in 2014. Co-offensive coordinators, Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott started the more experienced Stoudt early on and slowly phased Watson in.
More from RTR – Tiger Cubs 2017: Tee Higgins
Johnson’s biggest hurdle is owning the playbook. Learning it is not enough, he must dive head first into the playbook until it becomes second nature. The faster Johnson becomes comfortable in Clemson’s system, the better his chances of starting, because he clearly has the best arm-talent on the roster.
Expectations in year one:
We will find out in about a month or so, however, I have a feeling Johnson will come into fall camp much improved from the spring. Coming out of high school, all signs indicated that Johnson was a special talent with high character and strong work ethic. If this is true, he will have likely submersed himself in the playbook over the three months between the end of spring ball and the beginning of fall camp.
I fully expect Johnson to play in 2017, whether that be as a full-time starter remains to be seen. I know that he is the most naturally gifted passer that Clemson has. It’s simply a matter of him finding his confidence and performing.