Clemson Football: 5 breakout candidates in 2017 spring game

Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker Dorian O'Daniel (6) reacts to the referee after he gets disqualified for targeting against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half of the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Clemson Tigers have a quarterback competition on its hands and one potential starter could be a true freshman.

Quarterback Hunter Johnson is a five-star recruit out of Brownsburg, Indiana, according to 247Sports. Johnson is a 6-foot-2, 201-pound dual-threat prospect who has shown a lot of promise already this spring.

The Indiana native threw for 6,657 passing yards and 69 passing touchdowns in his high school career. His early arrival has been noticed by coaches and players alike. In the Tigers most recent scrimmage, he threw the ball for 110 passing yards and a touchdown. It was a 31-yard reception to wide receiver Trevion Thompson that gave him the edge.

With Johnson’s early arrival, it certainly pushes the other quarterback’s to perform at a high level this spring. The other quarterbacks on the roster are sure to push the competition which won’t be decided until the fall. But Johnson will certainly be a player to watch in this weekend’s game.

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