SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. _ Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett has said for a month that he needs to improve his accuracy.
But Clemson's first team all-Atlantic Coast Conference safety Jadar Johnson strongly emphasized that deficiency Tuesday during interviews for the College Football Playoff semifinal in Saturday's PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.
"We've definitely faced quarterbacks better than him," Johnson said at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn. "If we can limit him on the ground with his running we'll be pretty good. I don't think he's a very accurate passer.
"I'm not taking anything away from him. He's definitely a good player. I feel like his strong point is his legs."
The recipient of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player, Barrett threw for 2,428 yards and 24 touchdowns with five interceptions and rushed for 847 yards and nine touchdowns this season. But his completion percentage of 61.8 was the lowest of his three-year career.
Johnson wasn't through with Barrett yet. When asked about watching Clemson vs. Ohio State in the Orange Bowl after the 2013 season, Johnson compared Barrett to former Buckeyes' quarterback Braxton Miller, now a receiver with the Houston Texans.
"I feel like Braxton Miller can throw a little better than J.T. Barrett," Johnson said. "I'm not really strong on J.T. Barrett's arm. Not saying he can't throw at all. But I definitely think Braxton Miller was a better thrower."
Clemson's second-team All-America linebacker Ben Boulware didn't share Johnson's opinion. Boulware compared Barrett to his teammate Deshaun Watson, Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson of Louisville and Jerod Evans of Virginia Tech.
"Can throw it as good as anybody in the country. Can run it as good as any quarterback in the country and is just as intelligent as anybody," Boulware said of Barrett. "He's able to read defenses, read schemes, read guys' leverages and know where to put the ball. We know he's one of the best players in the country at his position."
Boulware also showed high praise for Barrett and his ability to take a lot of hits running the ball and still manage to play at a high level.
