Clemson flips top-rated 2017 quarterback

Following the announcement by 2016 standout defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence that he is going to be a Tiger, Clemson landed another big fish Monday night. 2017 QB Hunter Johnson (6-foot-3, 197 pounds) of Brownsburg, In.,who had been committed to Tennessee, backed off that pledge and committed to the Tigers.

Johnson and his family visited Clemson Friday before going to Knoxville to visit Tennessee. He gave no indication in interviews after being on Rocky Top that he was wavering, and in fact Clemson never came up. But apparently he was keeping a secret that he revealed Monday night.

“Sometimes you just kind of get that gut feeling and I just felt it," Johnson said. "My parents did, too. They just kind of knew right away. It just felt right to me. I just felt more comfort at Clemson than I ever have, and I was just able to make the decision.”

Clemson quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter has been recruiting Johnson, and the success he had this year helping to develop Deshaun Watson into a Heisman Trophy candidate wasn't missed by Johnson.

“I think you can definitely see what he's been able to do this year,” Johnson said. “The offense there is great. Deshaun is a great guy and a great quarterback. I think they're able to complement each other and work well together. I believe 100 percent in Coach Streeter.”

This season Johnson passed for 2,545 yards and 31 touchdowns and is considered more of a pro-style quarterback than the spread quarterback who is required to run more for the offense to click. But he felt he would have no problems fitting in with what Clemson likes to do.

Johnson, who is rated the No. 1 quarterback in the 2017 class by 247Sports, becomes Clemson's third commitment for the 2017 class.