Report: Clemson QB Hunter Johnson to Target Purdue, Northwestern for Transfer

Clemson quarterback Hunter Johnson will reportedly transfer from the school, with Purdue and Northwestern emerging as potential contenders.

Chris Hummer of 247Sports reported the news. Johnson was part of a quarterback battle for the Tigers' starting position with Kelly Bryant and Trevor Lawrence.

A pro-style quarterback, Johnson ranked as the No. 30 overall prospect in the 2017 class, per 247Sports. He completed 11 of his 12 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown last season. 

Bryant beat him out in a competition for the starting job last year, and Johnson was clearly the third favorite behind Bryant and Lawrence in their battle this spring. Lawrence was the top-rated overall prospect in the 2018 class by 247Sports and could wind up being the Week 1 starter as a true freshman.

“You know this whole spring, having a year under my belt makes a big difference,” Johnson told TigerNet's Nikki Hood after Clemson's spring game. “I just feel a lot more comfortable having a year under my belt with the offense. Just being a step faster with my decisions, and being more confident about where I’m going. We were able to execute some drives and score some points and get the victory.”

Johnson will be forced to sit out the 2018 season due to NCAA transfer rules. Because he has a redshirt still available, he will have three years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2019.