Hunter Johnson to Tennessee: Volunteers Land 5-Star QB Prospect
The Tennessee Volunteers made positive strides in Butch Jones' second year as head coach, and their biggest step may have come Sunday after Jones secured the commitment of 5-star quarterback Hunter Johnson.
"I've been in contact with Tennessee for so long now and I know so much about Tennessee, I didn't see a reason why I wouldn't commit," Johnson said, per 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong. "That's what I told my parents, why wouldn't I go here? I've always felt really, really comfortable with Tennessee."
According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Johnson is the No. 1 pro-style quarterback and No. 11 player overall in the 2017 recruiting class.
Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman and Clay Travis both see this as a major development for the Vols' program:
Chris Childers of College Sports Nation also believes Johnson's decision represents affirmation for Jones being the guy to lead Tennessee forward:
Quarterback has been a problem area for the Vols ever since Tyler Bray left in 2012. Neither Justin Worley nor Joshua Dobbs looked entirely convincing in 2013 and 2014. While Johnson's arrival won't come for some time, he at least gives Tennessee fans reason for optimism.
Plus, he'll join Quinten Dormady, a 4-star QB in the 2015 recruiting class.
At some point, Jones will need to start piling up the wins, but he's certainly proving to be an adept recruiter, which will help the Volunteers catch up to the competition in the loaded SEC.
