Northwestern searches for new QB after division title
FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2017, file photo, then-Clemson quarterback Hunter Johnson celebrates after throwing a touchdown against Wake Forest during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Clemson, S.C. As he listened to his team’s introduction during last month’s Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was a bit stunned by what he heard. “Clayton Thorson leaves as the winningest quarterback in Northwestern history,” the Big Ten Network’s Rick Pizzo said, reading from a script. “But he’ll be replaced by five-star Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson.” That was news to Fitzgerald, who said the competition for starting quarterback at the beginning of fall camp was wide open with Hunter, senior TJ Green and junior Aidan Smith being the main contenders. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File)

FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2017, file photo, then-Clemson quarterback Hunter Johnson celebrates after throwing a touchdown against Wake Forest during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Clemson, S.C. As he listened to his team’s introduction during last month’s Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was a bit stunned by what he heard. “Clayton Thorson leaves as the winningest quarterback in Northwestern history,” the Big Ten Network’s Rick Pizzo said, reading from a script. “But he’ll be replaced by five-star Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson.” That was news to Fitzgerald, who said the competition for starting quarterback at the beginning of fall camp was wide open with Hunter, senior TJ Green and junior Aidan Smith being the main contenders. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File)

Aug. 13, 2019 08:33 AM EDT
FILE - In this July 19, 2019, file photo, Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald responds to a question during the Big Ten Conference NCAA college football media days in Chicago. Coming off a 9-5 season, which included a Big Ten West title, Northwestern is poised for another solid season, but must find a replacement for four-year starter Clayton Thorson at quarterback. Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson, TJ Green and Aidan Smith are the main contenders. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - In this July 19, 2019, file photo, Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald responds to a question during the Big Ten Conference NCAA college football media days in Chicago. Coming off a 9-5 season, which included a Big Ten West title, Northwestern is poised for another solid season, but must find a replacement for four-year starter Clayton Thorson at quarterback. Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson, TJ Green and Aidan Smith are the main contenders. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

Aug. 13, 2019 06:00 AM EDT
FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Northwestern quarterback TJ Green (10) runs against Akron during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill. As he listened to his team’s introduction during last month’s Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was a bit stunned by what he heard. “Clayton Thorson leaves as the winningest quarterback in Northwestern history,” the Big Ten Network’s Rick Pizzo said, reading from a script. “But he’ll be replaced by five-star Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson.” That was news to Fitzgerald, who said the competition for starting quarterback at the beginning of fall camp was wide open with Hunter, senior TJ Green and junior Aidan Smith being the main contenders. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Northwestern quarterback TJ Green (10) runs against Akron during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill. As he listened to his team’s introduction during last month’s Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was a bit stunned by what he heard. “Clayton Thorson leaves as the winningest quarterback in Northwestern history,” the Big Ten Network’s Rick Pizzo said, reading from a script. “But he’ll be replaced by five-star Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson.” That was news to Fitzgerald, who said the competition for starting quarterback at the beginning of fall camp was wide open with Hunter, senior TJ Green and junior Aidan Smith being the main contenders. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Aug. 13, 2019 08:35 AM EDT
FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2016, file photo, Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith throws a pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Western Michigan in Evanston, Ill. As he listened to his team’s introduction during last month’s Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was a bit stunned by what he heard. “Clayton Thorson leaves as the winningest quarterback in Northwestern history,” the Big Ten Network’s Rick Pizzo said, reading from a script. “But he’ll be replaced by five-star Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson.” That was news to Fitzgerald, who said the competition for starting quarterback at the beginning of fall camp was wide open with Hunter, senior TJ Green and junior Aidan Smith being the main contenders. (AP Photo/Matt Marton, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2016, file photo, Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith throws a pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Western Michigan in Evanston, Ill. As he listened to his team’s introduction during last month’s Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon, Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was a bit stunned by what he heard. “Clayton Thorson leaves as the winningest quarterback in Northwestern history,” the Big Ten Network’s Rick Pizzo said, reading from a script. “But he’ll be replaced by five-star Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson.” That was news to Fitzgerald, who said the competition for starting quarterback at the beginning of fall camp was wide open with Hunter, senior TJ Green and junior Aidan Smith being the main contenders. (AP Photo/Matt Marton, File)

Aug. 13, 2019 08:36 AM EDT