Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson needs to hit another level if the team is going to improve on last year's disappointing finish
Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson was in a difficult position during the offseason.
After a disappointing 6-6 finish, he could have packed up and searched the transfer portal and NIL market. It didn't help that coach Chris Klieman unexpectedly decided to step down after the season.
Johnson had every reason to stay but he stuck around. Part of it was because he has unfinished business in Manhattan. He came here to win and wants to leave on his terms.
He now enters his season as the full-time starter. There have been times Johnson has been great. There have been others where he has failed to live up to the expectations of being a four-star recruit in high school.
After three seasons, Johnson has to answer one major question: Can he reach another level or has he peaked?
Johnson has plenty of reasons for motivation. A native of Wichita, Kan., the goal is to have a strong showing in his senior season. He also wants a successful reunion with first-year coach Collin Klein, who played a role in recruiting him to Kansas State. Klein, a former Wildcats star quarterback, returns after serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas A & M.
Johnson and Klein already have a solid relationship, so it makes sense they will connect well this season. While Johnson has made lots of money with his several NIL deals, he still wants to increase his stock in the NFL Draft ... unless he decides to return for a fifth season of college football, which is definitely possible under new NCAA rules.
For Johnson, the goal is proving to the K-State fans he deserves mention along with Michael Bishop, Will Howard and Klein as the great quarterbacks in school history.
He has the tools. The circumstances are in his favor. Now, he just has to go out there and show he can hit a new gear.
MORE K-STATE NEWS
What JT Rock had to say about his first season on K-State basketball team
This K-State transfer is excited about sort of reuniting with Casey Alexander
Casey Alexander ready to start a new culture at K-State
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
