Heading into his senior season, quarterback Avery Johnson has already etched his name into the Kansas State record books. He is the program's co-leader in passing touchdowns, only 210 passing yards from being top-five in passing yards and five touchdowns away from being top-10 in rushing scores.
Great. At least that's the mentality of the Wildcats' quarterback, who acknowledges the height of these awards but still aims for more in his final collegiate year. Johnson takes pride in the stats but still wants bigger achievements, like a conference title or postseason glory.
"I mean, it’s cool to be able to etch my name in history and be a part of all that," Johnson said in his recent spring ball interview. "But still, in three years, I haven’t really won anything other than a few bowl games. So I’m still hungry, still trying to stay humble through everything. I want to go out, win a 12 championship this year, and push for the playoffs and the national championship. Personal accolades are great, but I’m more focused on winning games and getting my team ready and prepared to play when the fall rolls around."
Johnson had an underwhelming junior season, positioning him for a monumental bounce-back campaign in his senior year with Collin Klein back on the sideline. He believes the team he has this season will give him the chance to do it.
"It starts from the top down with [Collin Klein] and his leadership," Johnson said. "He’s put together a great staff; a bunch of guys that love ball and want to be here. We've got a bunch of coaches with juice and energy. We have so many coaches who you can get real niche with, position groups, and coaching styles, and it’s not as big a position meeting. When it comes down to it, doing the little things the right way and really playing hard for 4 quarters."
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