5-Star Quarterback Hunter Johnson Spurns Irish, Selects Tennessee
By Andrew Hall
2017 5-star Quarterback Hunter Johnson Commits To Vols, What’s Next For Irish?
When the Irish Invasion concluded, Notre Dame looked to poised to land the top signal caller in the Class of 2017. However, as his recruitment continued, the Irish coaching staff found themselves in a dog fight for the 5-star Quarterback from Brownsburg, Indiana. Today, Notre Dame lost the battle to Tennessee Head Coach Butch Jones and the Volunteer coaching staff.
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Johnson’s commitment to Tennessee is not surprising. But, the 5-star gunslinger told many reporters that he planned on visiting Notre Dame in the near future before making a decision. The Quarterback had not given any indication that he planned on pulling the trigger this weekend.
The Brownsburg, Indiana native ranks as the top pro-style Quarterback in the Class of 2017. He received offers from 21 schools including Florida, Miami (FL), Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Penn State.
In 2014, Johnson threw for 1434 yards with 10 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
Although Notre Dame has tremendous depth at the Quarterback position with Junior Malik Zaire, Sophomore DeShone Kizer, Freshman Brandon Wimbush and 2016 commit Ian Book, the Fighting Irish coaching staff will continue to pursue 2017 players.
Who are these 2017 prospects?
Bishop Gorman HS Quarterback Tate Martell may be option. However, he selected the Texas A&M Aggies on August 20th. Notre Dame’s affiliation with Bishop Gorman may help the Fighting Irish get back into his recruitment.
Valor Christian High School Quarterback Dylan McCaffrey is a more likely option. McCaffrey holds offers from Michigan, Colorado, Duke, Penn State, Rutgers, UCLA and Washington. The 247Sports Composite ranks him as the 77th prospect nationally and 4th pro-style Quarterback in the 2017 class. He checks in at 6’5″ 200 lbs.
It is unfortunate that Hunter Johnson did not select Notre Dame. The Irish coaching staff can still pursue the 5-star Quarterback until February 2017. In addition, Notre Dame has great Quarterback depth.