Chris Klieman evaluates Avery Johnson's development through offseason

Junior quarterback Avery Johnson will return to Kansas State for his third year of college football this year. This is just one season removed from leading the Wildcats to a 9-4 (5-4) record with a 44-41 win over Rutgers in the 2024 Rate Bowl.

Through his first two seasons of college football, Johnson boasts 3,191 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions. On the ground, he’s rushed for 901 yards and 14 more scores. Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman discussed Johnson’s offseason progression at Big 12 Media Days this week in Frisco, TX.

“I think the biggest thing is how he looks,” Klieman said. “He’s put on probably 17 pounds of lean muscle mass and he’s filled out. He’s not a sophomore anymore; he’s an upperclassman as a junior. So his body’s matured and he’s taken everything very seriously in the weight room, in the nutrition and in the recover aspect so his body is just a lot better. He’s carrying a lot more weight and he’s faster. And that’s something that we strive and we stress is you can get bigger and stronger and also be faster. He’s done that.”

Klieman applauds Avery Johnson’s athleticism and passing

“And I think the other thing is, people have asked me a lot today, what is one area (that Johnson’s improved?),” Klieman continued. “I think it’s collectively in totality what he’s gonna be better at. And it starts with what he’s gonna see pre-snap, and when he’s gonna go from pre-snap to post-snap. I think he’s ready to take on even more things at the line of scrimmage and everybody knows he’s a terrific athlete in space. He’s also a really good thrower of the football, and I just think all the 13 games of experience he had last season will help him.”

Johnson returns to lead a Kansas State team projected to be right in the mix for the Big 12 Championship this season. Along with Johnson, the Wildcats return talented running back Dylan Edwards, last season’s leading receiver Jayce Brown and their two leading tacklers in linebacker Austin Romaine and safety V.J. Payne.

Thanks to his talented returning core, one anonymous Big 12 coach even thinks Johnson could be a darkhorse Heisman candidate this season.

“Avery [Johnson] could be a superstar, a Heisman-level guy, but they’ve got to build up the talent around him,” the anonymous coach told Athlon Sports. “This could be one of the best and most creative offenses in the country this season if he continues to improve.”

Kansas State opens its 2025 season in Dublin against Big 12 foe Iowa State on August 23. The game is part of the annual Week Zero in college football.