Kansas State's Collin Klein And QB Avery Johnson Already On Same Page
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It almost seems like they were made for each other.
Both Avery Johnson and Collin Klein are both among the most beloved players in Kansas State Wildcats football history. Now, they get to share the same stage as quarterback and coach.
Klein, who starred for the Wildcats in the early 2010s, is in his first year as the coach at his alma mater. Johnson is under center for his senior season.
Even though this is the first time both are their current roles, it is hardly the beginning of their relationship. Klein was the offensive coordinator at K-State before leaving in 2024 to serve as the offensive coordinator at Texas A & M.
So this isn't a new beginning. It's actually an extension.
“He’s a very stoic, laid back guy, but that processor is going and his motor is going hot under there,” Klein of Johnson during Wednesday's Big 12 Media Day. “That’s why we got so close and why we fit … We both love the game of football, we both love competing and winning.”
Johnson is entering his third season as the full-time starter. His career has been filled with highs and lows. While he is coming off two solid seasons, many are expecting him to reach another level before his career ends.
There is no better time than now, especially with Klein in charge. It could be just the spark needed to get Johnson back in the Heisman Trophy consideration as he was at the beginning of the season two years ago.
A year with Klein could also help improve his NFL draft stock.
“I still see him as that offensive minded guy that he was when he was at Texas A&M, before he left for Texas A&M,” Johnson said of Klein. “He cheers for the bad guys sometimes a little bit in practice because he has to, but at heart, he is an offensive guy.”
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
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