QB Commit Hunter Johnson Heads to Playoffs, Talks Clemson

After watching and interviewing Hunter Johnson, Mike Sanborn, our friend from Maize & Brew (the Michigan SB Nation site), joins us to shed some light on the highly touted Clemson QB prospect. A huge thank you to Mike Sanborn for the local insights!

Five-star Clemson QB commit Hunter Johnson closed off the regular season with a win and a conference championship last Friday.

"I'm so proud of these guys, so happy for these guys," Johnson said of his team after clinching the conference championship. "Just so happy we were able to come out here and beat a great team."

Brownsburg finished the season 8-1, their only loss coming after a 21-point fourth quarter collapse on Senior Night.

Johnson ended the regular season with 1,802 passing yards for an average of 13.8 yards per completion and a total of 20 touchdowns. He also added 422 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. The numbers aren't staggering, especially in the Indianapolis area where quarterbacks like Brandon Peters have recently lit up the scoreboard for almost 1,000 more yards, but as previously stated much of Johnson's shortcomings can be attributed to a very poor offensive line and receiving corps.

The Bulldogs now look ahead to a matchup against Indianapolis powerhouse Ben David High School to open the state playoffs next week, a game that Brownsburg is not favored to win. Johnson will have his work cut out for him heading into the Sectional round against a perennial football powerhouse.

Even with the most important part of his high school season still ahead, Johnson has been able to keep in touch with the Clemson coaching staff regularly.

"(I've been in touch with) all the offensive guys, really," Johnson said. "It's like a family there."

Johnson was also able to visit Death Valley for the Louisville game, and hopes to take an official visit later in the season. He has not chosen a date yet.

But with a quarterback battle sure to come next year, Johnson is not resigning to a redshirt quite yet.

"(Coach Swinney) thinks I have a great opportunity (at Clemson)," Johnson said of his potential to play early. "I'm just going to go work my butt off and give myself the best chance to make an impact on the team."

Johnson has performed admirably this season even with glaring weaknesses on his team, and having more protection and a group of talented receivers could make a big impact on his ability to compete at the next level.

For now, though, he has his sights set on a different goal: Brownsburg's first state championship since 1985.

Follow Michael on Twitter at @mikesanborn.