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Steelers Invite Another Big Name QB to Rookie Mini Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers will continue searching for a back-up quarterback.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will be bringing another talented quarterback to town this month for rookie minicamp. According to a report from Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star, former Clemson and Northwestern quarterback Hunter Johnson has been invited and accepted an invite to the Steelers' minicamp. 

Johnson, a former five-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2017 began his career at Clemson, but was stuck as the third-stringer behind Kelly Bryant and Derrick Cooper. When blue-chip freshman Trevor Lawrence arrived to take over the starting job in 2018, Johnson opted to transfer to Northwestern, where he struggled to see the field yet again. 

After sitting out 2019 due to NCAA transfer rules, Johnson split playing time with Aiden Smith and appeared in just six games, completing 46.3% of his passes for a touchdown and four interceptions. Johnson didn't play at all in 2020 with Peyton Ramsey taking all of the playing time but he won a quarterback competition in 2021. He improved but was eventually benched for South Carolina transfer Ryan Hilinski before transferring back to Clemson and ending his college career as a backup. 

Johnson performed well at his Clemson pro day and earned a tryout from the Indianapolis Colts, where he impressed enough to get a call from Pittsburgh.  

The Steelers already have a rookie quarterback signed and headed for rookie minicamp, which will begin in two weeks. Minnesota's Tanner Morgan will be in the Steel City alongside Johnson when the first workouts begin at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Morgan, Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky are currently the only three quarterbacks on the Steelers' roster. 

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