Clemson's Watson, Johnson among top 5 all-time QBs at Five-star Challenge
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The fifth edition of the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge Presented By Under Armour is in the books and, with such an important anniversary of an amazing event, we thought it would be cool to look back at the top five prospects that attended at each position. Today we look at the quarterbacks.
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The Skinny: Watson experienced no recruiting drama as he committed to Clemson two years before his own National Signing Day and stayed firm until he signed with the Tigers. He quickly became the starter at Clemson as a true freshman but injuries slowed his progress and eventually cut his season short. Fully healthy in 2015, he was the winner of the Davey O’Brien Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top quarterback.
Farrell’s Take: Watson was a five-star on Rivals.com -- the only site to rank him as a five-star -- for many reasons. However, one of those reasons wasn’t the Five-Star Challenge. It wasn’t that he was bad, far from it, but camps and 7-on-7 especially do not showcase what he does the best: move the pocket and give defenses fits. And I want to note here that Watson is one of the highest character prospects I’ve ever been around and that showed through at the event with his leadership.
The Skinny: Johnson arrived at the 2016 Five-Star Challenge as the top quarterback in the country and lived up to that billing in Atlanta. He continued to show impressive arm strength, decision making and technique. With recruiting, Johnson’s process became a bit chaotic as it began with a commitment to Tennessee, but then saw him flip to Clemson last December where he is currently committed.
Farrell’s Take: Johnson is as smooth as they come at quarterback and was excellent in both the camp setting and the 7-on-7. He’s improved some minor mechanical issues and the ball comes out with even more zip than it had the last time I saw him. Johnson could be a guy in a few years we are talking about as a potential No. 1 pick, he’s that talented.
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Mike Farrell is Rivals.com's National Recruiting Director.