Swinney says he is thrilled that Hunter Johnson landed at Northwestern

Johnson will transfer to Northwestern

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Jun 21, 2018, 1:49 PM

CLEMSON – Dabo Swinney is happy for quarterback transfer Hunter Johnson.

Johnson announced his intentions to transfer out of the Clemson program in May and announced Northwestern as his school of choice. The loss of Johnson leaves Kelly Bryant as the only quarterback on the Clemson roster who has taken snaps in a college game, but Swinney says he is happy for Johnson and the two have spoken since the announcement.

“I have. I talked to him the other day, I talked to him and Coach Fitz (Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.) I’m really glad it worked out that way,” Swinney said. “He told me early on that that was probably what he was going to do, so I reached out to Fitz. I have a lot of respect for him, he’s a friend, and you know it was a tough decision for Hunter.”

Swinney said he wasn’t blindsided by the announcement.

“I’m not surprised that we had a quarterback who decided to transfer,” he said. “I was just surprised at the time because I figured if anything happened, it would probably be at the end of the season. It’s just what he felt like was best for him and what he needed to do. But he has unbelievable talent, he’s an unbelievable player, and is gonna be a pro.

“He’s gonna be a kid that is going to play this game a long time. Just a guy that I will be connected to forever. He’s truly one of the best players and one of the best young people I’ve ever been around. We are going to miss him, we wish him well. I think he’s in a good place that he can achieve his objectives and goals and I’ll pull for him all the way through. Can’t wait to watch him be successful.”

Swinney that others will benefit from Johnson’s transfer.

“Something good comes out of everything,” Swinney said. “That was great for him, really good for him, but that’s just part of it. We’ll have a few other guys once we get through camp that we will hopefully be able to award a scholarship to for the season.”