Can Kansas State's Avery Match Heisman-Contention Season Of Collin Klein?

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Think back to the start of the 2024 college football season. 

It was a time when Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson was one of the hottest names around. It was a few months after Johnson had all the hype when the program decided he was the future instead of starter Will Howard. 

Johnson gained even more momentum after leading the Wildcats to a bowl victory after the season. So he began the next year, his first as a starter, as a player who some pegged as a dark horse candidate to win the Heisman Trophy. 

While none of that materialized then, hasn't since, Johnson has perhaps one last season to make it happen. The good news is he's playing for a coach, Collin Klein, who has dealt with the Heisman attention. 

The question is: Can Johnson make a final push for the coveted trophy as Klein did 14 years ago? 

In 2012, Klein put together one of the best seasons, regardless of position, in K-State and college football history. During the regular season, he completed 180 of 272 passes for 2,490 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for 980 yards on 194 carries and 15 scores. He was the first Wildcats player invited to the Heisman ceremony in New York since Michael Bishop finished second in 1998. 

Despite leading the Wildcats to an 11-1 record in the regular season before losing to the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl, Klein was a huge underdog to win the award. That was the year the honor was already handed to Texas A & M star Johnny Manziel. 

In 2024, Johnson matched some of Klein's numbers. He finished with 2,712 passing yards and 25 touchdowns but fell short in the running game. Johnson had just 605 yards and seven touchdowns. 

After a decline in production across the board last season, this could be the year he finally has a breakout. With Klein in charge, everything is in place for Johnson to possibly end his collegiate career in style. 

While the numbers aren't a concern, Johnson will likely need a high win-total to have any chance of receiving an invite to the Heisman ceremony. That won't be easy, especially with K-State coming off a 6-6 season and adjusting to a new coach. 

Regardless, Johnson will be given every chance to make it happen. 

MORE K-STATE NEWS 

K-State making a move for 2008 tight end 

Kansas State legend makes return to Big 12 

Have we seen the best of K-State quarterback Avery Johnson? 

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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