Avery Johnson locked in with Kansas State
Despite losing offensive coordinator Collin Klein to Texas A&M, it appears quarterback Avery Johnson is still locked in with Kansas State. The official K-State football Twitter (X) account released a video of Johnson on Thursday.
What is unique about Johnson staying in Manhattan is he will be switching numbers. The Maize product will be going back to wearing No. 2 which was has been his number his whole life. Previously, the number was occupied by Jake Rubley who has transferred from the Wildcats program.
While wearing No. 2 in high school, Johnson was an Elite 11 prospect. He became first Elite 11 prospect to sign with Kansas State since Josh Freeman in 2005. Johnson also threw for 2,768 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior in high school in addition to running for 817 yards and 15 scores on 98 carries. As a senior at Maize High School, Johnson was named Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year in 2022.
After enrolling early at K-State, Johnson saw the field in seven games as a true freshman. So far this season, Johnson is 23-of-35 passing for 301 yards and three touchdowns. The true freshman quarterback also has 45 carries for 225 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. After the season, Johnson was Honorable Mention Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.
His breakout game of the season came in Lubbock against Texas Tech. Johnson was 8-of-9 passing for 77 yards. He also ran the ball 13 times for 90 yards and tied a Kansas State record with five rushing touchdowns. Against the Red Raiders, Johnson was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.
The quarterback will be making his first collegiate start under center later this month. K-State plays NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The game will take place on December 28 and will kick off at 4:45 central time on ESPN.
