Hunter Johnson Providing Far More Than Depth to Clemson QB Room

Dabo Swinney has referred to Hunter Johnson as his boomerang transfer.

The former 5-star quarterback began his career at Clemson as a part of the Tigers 2017 recruiting class, but would transfer out in the spring of 2018 when it was clear the future was Trevor Lawrence.

Johnson would go on to spend several years at Northwestern, before deciding to transfer back to Clemson for a sixth and final season. At first, Johnson was interested in coming back as a graduate assistant, but when head coach Dabo Swinney discovered he had one more year of eligibility, he wanted Johnson as a member of his quarterback room.

However, don’t think that means Johnson is just an extension of the coaching staff. He is much more, as he brings not only a wealth of experience to the room, but plenty of talent, as well.

“I think he’s really living his best life right now,” Swinney said after a recent practice. “He loves Clemson and being back here in a completely different experience and perspective. Life brings perspective as you get older.”

“He’s just very self-aware, very knowledgeable and so confident. He gets it on every level. He’s experienced just about everything at that position. He’s just having fun and taking advantage of his reps. He’s super talented and I think he’s kind of found his joy.”

Johnson is a much different player than he was when he left Clemson and while he may currently be serving in a backup role behind DJ Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik, Swinney believes that he is more than just another arm on the roster.

“It’s been fun watching Hunter,” Swinney said. “The game is so much slower to him from the last time I had my eyes on him on a football field. He’s a great leader.”

“It’s valuable to have his voice and his arm and his feet. As we all know, that position is critical.”