The Domino Effect that Could be Caused With Hunter Johnson's School Choice
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Image: Gavin McIntyre The State
Written By: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)
While this cannot be proven or even quantified, recruiting can be a game of momentum and the “domino effect” is often seen. This can be particularly true when a highly-touted player at the influential and pivotal position of quarterback is involved. The decision of Hunter Johnson, the highly-touted redshirt freshman and 2016 Indiana Mr. Football from Brownsburg, certainly checks the boxes of an influential recruit that could influence the decisions of many others.
Johnson is a very talented player that is transferring from Clemson and appears to be locked in on a trio of finalists: Northwestern, Purdue and Indiana. The list has a decidedly local feel to it and it’s reasonable to wonder how big of an impact his choice could have, beyond the obvious on-field addition of a potential future NFL quarterback.
We talked on the latest Hoosier Huddle podcast episode with Peegs.com writer Matt Weaver about the domino effect that Johnson’s decision could cause. The two most obvious dominoes that could be affected would be wide receivers David Bell from Warren Central and Bryce Kirtz from Brownsburg. Both players are considering Indiana and Purdue. Kirtz knows Johnson as they were teammates for the Brownsburg Bulldogs (although they are two classes apart) and he certainly knows what the quarterback could do as a starting quarterback. Bell is a highly sought-after pass-catcher and athlete that is very interested in a number of Big Ten schools. The addition of Johnson could sway either of these players to pull the trigger and follow him. Could a former 5-star quarterback act as a pied piper of sorts and lead a few other highly touted prospects to Bloomington or West Lafayette or Evanston? Absolutely. It’s happened before and it would actually be very surprising if it didn’t happen in this situation.
Recruiting is not the only thing that could be impacted by Johnson’s decision. Things like ticket sales and local media interest are also going to be touched by Johnson’s call. IU in particular is a program that could use the shot in the arm that a commitment like this could bring. A 5-star quarterback from Brownsburg transferring from Clemson to Indiana would be a huge story and fan interest would immediately perk up to see what Johnson could do on the field of Memorial Stadium. While the attention and interest that would be generated initially would need to be backed up by actual production and victories, the addition of a local quarterback of this stature would produce the kind of instant attention spike that few other things could.
Whichever two schools of Northwestern, Purdue and Indiana does not land Hunter Johnson will not be doomed into purgatory or locked into a future of dismal football. No, the Boilers would still have Jeff Brohm, improving facilities and an apparent commitment to football under their athletic director. Northwestern would still have Pat Fitzgerald at the helm and terrific new facilities. IU would still have the talented Michael Penix, improving facilities and a coaching staff led by Tom Allen that has recruiting continually on the rise. However, this recruitment is a very important one that will likely have a large impact, both directly and indirectly, on three programs in close proximity and competing for the same goals within the Big Ten.
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