Swinney announces change to backup QB spot

Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor -

CLEMSON -- One of the hot topics for Clemson fans is not the team's impressive run to a No. 2 college football playoff ranking this season but debating on the No. 2 quarterback choice at Clemson.

Clemson freshman quarterback Hunter Johnson was impressive last Saturday afternoon against The Citadel (with help from Tee Higgins) as he completed 7-for-8 passes for 144 yards with a passing touchdown for a QBR of 99.2. For the season, Johnson has completed 18-for-20 passes for 225 yards and two passing touchdowns. His completion percentage, albeit a small sample size, would be hard to even duplicate in a video game.

Swinney was asked during his press conference on Tuesday about his competitive backup quarterback battle between Johnson and Zerrick Cooper.

"Just based on that game and that performance Hunter graded better and played better," Swinney said. "Really proud of him for his development because he has worked really hard. He's made a lot of progress. That's the thing you love to see in guys because sometimes you are just getting practice opportunity to see guys improve. Zerrick has done a phenomenal job for us, and we see them every day, every day, every meeting. At the end of the day, you also got to take that to the field. I think last week Hunter played better. He would be the first one in this week, but it's a day to day process. That's kind of where they are."

Swinney reiterated that practice is essential and nothing is set in stone.

"Nobody has a lifetime contract around here. Every day is competition," Swinney said. "Based on where we are and that one game he would be the first one in this week."