Former 5-Star QB Prospect Hunter Johnson Transfers to Northwestern from Clemson

Former Clemson quarterback Hunter Johnson announced his decision to transfer to Northwestern on Monday, per the school's official site. 

The former 5-star quarterback was rated the No. 2 pro-style quarterback in the 2017 class by 247Sports composite rankings. He provided a statement in the release by the school: 

"I'm thrilled to be a part of the Wildcat family. The program that Coach Fitzgerald and his staff have built at Northwestern is phenomenal, and one my family has had the opportunity to get to know and trust. I am thankful to Coach Swinney and the Clemson family for all their support over the past year-and-a-half. My focus now is on doing everything in my power to help this team prepare to compete for a Big Ten West title. Go 'Cats!"

Johnson will sit out the 2018 season but will have three years of eligibility remaining starting in 2019.

This would be perfect timing to take over for Clayton Thorson, who is entering his senior year after serving as the team's starter for most of the last three years. He is considered the No. 5 quarterback in the 2019 NFL draft by Bleacher Report's Matt Miller.

According to Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, Johnson chose the Wildcats over Duke, Purdue and Indiana, with the recent history of getting quarterbacks to the NFL being a factor. 

The Indiana native was likely hoping to be the next big thing with Clemson but saw little playing time as a freshman behind Kelly Bryant on the depth chart. He finished 21-of-27 for 234 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

The Tigers also added Trevor Lawrence in 2018, who is considered the No. 1 overall player in the country by 247Sports.

This seemed to force Johnson out of Clemson, but he will hope his new home represents a better fit for the rest of his college career.