There has been plenty of talk the past few days centered around Brownsburg (Ind.) High five-star 2017 quarterback Hunter Johnson – and based upon everything that we're hearing – it looks like Notre Dame is in a dog fight with Tennessee to land the top talent.
Johnson visited Knoxville this past weekend and was also at N.C. State. According to one contact, Johnson told the Wolfpack coaching staff that he plans to make a decision in the coming days. It should also be noted that N.C. State felt that Tennessee was the team they had to beat heading in to the visits.
While that news might not sound promising for the Irish, multiple contacts have stated that the staff remains optimistic about where they stand with the rising junior, who has been in South Bend three times since February.
As for a potential fourth visit – because we know this will be asked – there are multiple factors in play.
Johnson's high school opens fall camp on Aug. 3, which would likely rule out a mid-week visit. They have a scrimmage on Aug. 14, and then kickoff the season on Aug. 21. Notre Dame is scheduled to start fall camp on Aug. 7 and spend the first couple of practices at Culver Academy. Johnson could watch the Irish practice at Culver, but NCAA guidelines would prevent any face-to-face contact between him in the staff off campus.
There has been no date given for a decision ... we're just passing along what we have heard.
