Avery Johnson is already getting noticed by some college analysts. Johnson started his first game ever for the Wildcats in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against No. 18 NC State. Johnson saw action in games throughout the season, sometimes coming in as a new look for the offense, or when the Wildcats wanted a big run play.
Now Johnson has been the key to the kingdom after the transfer of Will Howard to Ohio State. There is no more safety net for Johnson, but it looks like he may not even need it. According to Brad Crawford with 247Sports, Johnson is ranked in the top 12 most dynamic quarterbacks in the country heading into 2024.
College football’s most dynamic athletes at QB, according to @BCrawford247 👀
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) May 28, 2024
Which dual-threat QB do y’all think should be higher? https://t.co/9ciOTp77oj pic.twitter.com/nKcjlHUcBy
Johnson showed even in a limited role last season that he has what it takes to lead this program. He was named the MVP of the Pop-Tarts Bowl after leading the Wildcats to victory over NC State. Johnson showed poise and the ability to move well in the pocket, but not be skittish and run at the first sight of slight pressure.
Crawford says that Johnson's dual-threat ability is what makes him such a dynamic player for K-State. It is also why Chris Klieman and the Wildcats didn't panic when their multi-year starter transferred to Ohio State.
Johnson will have rough times in his first year as a full-time starter because he still has a lot to learn as a young player. However, the ability to sit behind a veteran and learn while also still getting in the game more than just at the end of a blowout is so vital.
All eyes will be on Avery Johnson in 2024, and who knows, he might even surprise everyone and win Kansas State a Big 12 Championship.