College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 to win the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Deshaun Watson led Clemson to a national title in 2016 and became one of the most impressive quarterbacks in the nation during his time with the Tigers. He won back-to-back Davey O’Brien Awards, given to the country’s top quarterback, and was drafted 12th overall by the Houston Texans in 2017.

Who would replace Watson in the 2017 season for the Tigers? The choice seems to be down to two options in either five-star freshman Hunter Johnson, a top-50 recruit in 2017, or former three-star dual-threat Kelly Bryant. While the latter has been in the system for a little longer, Johnson seems to have a higher ceiling.

The 6-foot-2, 201-pound freshman from Brownsburg, Ind., has a strong arm and showcases some athleticism of his own. He’s been turning some heads as an early enrollee freshman and that has helped him master the playbook for Dabo Swinney as well as develop a connection with the receivers.

After winning MVP at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he played in the spring game and passed for just 48 yards with a touchdown and a pick. He’s still opening eyes and Clemson might just have a quarterback who’ll turn out better than Watson did — if you can believe that.

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