Where Is Kansas State QB Avery Johnson Projected To Go In NFL Draft?
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This is no doubt a season of redemption for Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson.
He took somewhat of a step back last year in his third season as the full-time starter. This is his chance to prove he is among the elite quarterbacks in the Big 12.
It is also an opportunity to showcase his talents to NFL scouts. This season provides at least 12 more games to improve his draft stock. According to ESPN, Johnson is projected as a seventh-round pick in the 2027 draft.
That would be considered low because of the expectations when Johnson signed with K-State as a four-star recruit out of Maize High School in Wichita. After playing behind Will Howard as a freshman, Johnson became the starter late in the season when Howard planned to transfer to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Johnson then led the Wildcats to a victory in the bowl game.
He had a solid season in 2024 as a sophomore before things slowed as a junior. The Wildcats finished just 6-6, declined a bowl invitation and led to former coach Chris Klieman stepping down.
Now, Johnson has new life. He is playing for first-year coach Collin Klein, who helped recruit Johnson to Manhattan. They have a solid relationship and are already on the same page. That's why some feel the Wildcats could exceed expectations. They were picked to finish No. 8 in the Big 12 and unranked in both polls.
TEAM CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED
The Kansas State Wildcats are moving closer to beginning the era of coach Collin Klein.
They are just 11 days from the season opener against Nicholls Sept. 5 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Another reminder of things starting to get real was Tuesday's announcement of the team captains.
There were few surprises.
Here's the list:
Quarterback Avery Johnson
Running back Joe Jackson
Tight end Garrett Oakley
Linebacker Gabe Powers
Defensive end Travis Bates
Defensive end Jordan Allen
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
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