Top Five ACC QB Recruits

De’Andre Johnson checks in at number three with Jimbo Fisher collecting yet another big time recruit. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

3. De’Andre Johnson, Florida State University, 6’0” 173 lbs.

Yet another top recruit has found his way to Florida State as Jimbo Fisher attempts to replace once-in-a-decade producer Jameis Winston. Johnson is on the smaller side for the quarterback position, and is very lean for player so dependent on his scrambling abilities.

Johnson has good potential but a lot of work to do. He displays a decent arm, but doesn’t go through any progressions instead just picking a receiver before the snap. In addition to struggling with his reads, Johnson doesn’t show very good pocket awareness and tends to feel pressure too fast and doesn’t give the play a chance to develop. The footwork is also a major concern as he fails to drive the ball through his target not producing the velocity necessary to be successful.

Despite those negatives, and there are a lot, Johnson is as dynamic of an athlete as there is and when he gets playing time should make a few highlight reel plays with his legs. Johnson also shows an ability to improvise on and throw on the run which is encouraging.

Overall Johnson is a very far away from being able to be a productive quarterback, but with the proper regiment, training, and coaching he could become a more special Justin Thomas as he possesses more speed and a better arm than Thomas.

Next: No. 2 Ranked ACC Recruit