Everything about Avery Johnson’s decision to play at Kansas State has gone according to plan. Johnson, a native of Kansas who graduated from Maize High School, shown early on that he had the potential to be exceptional.
A few seasons later, Johnson was supporting Will Howard, a 2024 Heisman finalist and Ohio State Buckeyes national champion. It’s becoming more and more obvious why Kansas State gave him the keys to its kingdom as he enters his second season as the starter.
Avery Johnson Headlining a Deeper QB Room at Kansas State
Prior to conference play in 2023, Johnson played his first game against Southeast Missouri State. He eventually accumulated enough reps to record his first game with double-digit completion totals by the Pop-Tarts Bowl versus NC State.
He didn’t immediately take over as the starting quarterback, like the majority of gifted young quarterbacks. Howard was the true owner of that position. When Johnson joined the Wildcats football program in 2020, he was already in his third season as the starter. It would be insane to beat someone like that for the starting position in your first year.
Howard also produced consistently as an upperclassman. He completed touchdown passes in all but four of his final two seasons as a Wildcat. Things didn’t start to change for either program until he left for Ohio State.
The Buckeyes instantly benefited from Howard’s success, but Johnson was in charge back in Manhattan. He obviously didn’t waste it either.
Johnson finished 14 passes on 21 tries for 153 yards in his first start of 2024. Before he started and won his second bowl game against Rutgers, that number shot up to 298 yards against West Virginia that season.
Johnson has gained the respect of the coaching staff in addition to winning games. Christian Anderson, the new quarterbacks coach, has showered the fourth-year standout with accolades. Johnson isn’t the only one in that area, though. When spring camps arrive, he will face some competition.
Who Steps Up for Kansas State if Avery Johnson Is Injured?
At the start of spring training, Johnson is one of Kansas State’s four quarterbacks. At 6’3″, he is right behind redshirt freshman Dillon Duff and sophomore Blake Barnett in terms of height. Redshirt senior Jacob Knuth is the tallest.
One thing is certain: Johnson is currently the clear front-runner for the starting position, even though the hierarchy isn’t set for this season. But keep your eyes on the other four. You could be surprised at Johnson’s talent.
Barnett is where it all begins. Barnett has emerged as an early frontrunner to fill the backup position going into his sophomore campaign. Like Johnson’s early career, his narrative is more complex than just purple and white.
He ran for 3,420 yards and 68 touchdowns in addition to throwing for 7,518 yards and 88 touchdowns during his prep career. He was a two-year basketball player and a three-time letter winner in track, according to his bio.
Johnson is the person to keep an eye on if something were to happen to him. What about the other three, though? It’s a slightly more challenging conversation.
Very Limited Information Available on Jacob Knuth, Dillon Duff
Knuth made just one appearance during the previous season, during the Wildcats’ 42-17 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks on the road. He finished the Sunflower Showdown last season with a quarterback rating of 100, two carries for 45 yards, and no passing attempts.
He only tried two throws the season before, both of which were completed for nine yards. The first was against UT Martin in a non-conference game, and the second was at BYU on the road. In addition, he only had three rushing attempts and only managed 18 yards in those two games.
Duff is categorized as a redshirt freshman. It won’t be until camp starts that the St. Louis native will experience action for the first time. Duff was ranked as Missouri’s tenth-best prospect throughout the recruiting process.
During his tenure at De Smet Jesuit, he earned consecutive football district titles and made it to the state playoffs in both his sophomore and junior years. Although he lacks Barnett’s experience, he undoubtedly possesses the size and physique of a quarterback.
The outcomes won’t change if either of them is given the chance to start in Johnson’s stead. They ought to speak for themselves, if anything.
