Avery Johnson Ready to Lead for Chris Klieman and Kansas State in Potential Year of the Cat

Johnson said the relationships he has built with teammates, coaches, and the K-State family culture were the ultimate reason for his loyalty to the Wildcats and why he stayed.

The native of Wichita and product of Maize High School has deep ties to the state and KSU and was an early 2023 enrollee. He wasted no time making an immediate impact on the program. 

An Impactful Freshman & Playmaking Phenom 

Despite playing behind starter Will Howard in 2023, Avery Johnson made the most of his playing time. His 142.0 QBR and 5.7 yards per rush were better than Howard's. Johnson flashed more gamebreaker potential than Howard, who was the more accurate passer.

Howard hit the portal after the regular season, giving Johnson his first collegiate start in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Against NC State, Johnson threw for 178 yards and two TDs while rushing for another score to reinforce Wildcat Land's faith that he was the right man for the future.

Johnson impressed coaches, teammates, and fans with his work ethic and preparation habits. New K-State offensive coordinator Conor Riley likes Johnson’s maturity and desire to learn. Riley loves Johnson's ability to absorb and retain knowledge quickly.

Johnson demands more of himself than anyone else, including the coaches. He also believes that Kansas State has enough talent to become one of the top teams in college football in 2024. 

Relentless Accountability & Leadership By Example 

Kansas State teammates can’t help but notice Avery Johnson’s commitment to excellence and superior motivation. Johnson has become a vocal leader who holds teammates accountable. Because Johnson holds himself most accountable, he has the credibility with teammates to call it as he sees it.

In a recent interview with KSN.com, he explained his methods, “This offseason, [I’m] just trying to be more of a vocal leader and hold people accountable because I know I want to be held accountable as well. And I’ve never been the person if I was slacking off and somebody was telling me to pick it up, then I know it’s not personal, and I know it’s just they want what’s best for the team. So I’m going to try to do the same.

“My mindset can’t change, and the work has to match my dreams and everything I want to accomplish this next season. So, my biggest thing is just not getting complacent, staying mature, and just continuing to go about my work the same way as when I came in. Because ultimately, I’ve still done nothing yet,”

Keeping Johnson Healthy

Avery Johnson ran for an astonishing seven TDs on just 58 rushes as a true freshman. He flashed breakaway speed and will be the key weapon in the K-State offense, just as Klein was over a decade ago. But with that ability comes the danger of getting injured.

Former Texas Tech head coach Matt Wells is now the QB coach at K-State and is working to train Johnson on when to slide and when to try and bust a big play. Wells will continue to drill Johnson on situational awareness and take a minimal amount of hits. Wells says his job is to prepare Johnson for 15 games. Nutrition, smart weight-gaining, and strength improvement are all part of the program to ensure Johnson stays in the lineup.

Also, part of the plan is to take advantage of a veteran offensive line comprised of four seniors and a redshirt junior. The Wildcats boast one of the most experienced offensive lines in college football, and that will surely be a key asset for Johnson in taking the next step toward greatness. 

Chris Klieman takes the Offensive – Adapting to Changing Times 

Chris Klieman continues to demonstrate why he is one of the best coaches in college football and the perfect fit at Kansas State. Like retired coaching GOAT Nick Saban, Klieman embraces change and is adaptable.

In spring camp, Kansas State offensively experimented with Riley, Wells, and Johnson and tried many defense formation alterations. For obvious reasons, Klieman refused to discuss specifics, but there will be plenty of changes for the 2024 season.

Klieman did offer some hints, such as run-scheme adjustments and increased perimeter passing with more shots downfield. In spring camp, Johnson spent more time throwing deep balls than any K-State QB has done since Klieman arrived.

Defensively, Kansas State has an embarrassment of riches at defensive end. As a result, the Wildcats are likely to deviate from their normal 3-3-5 to take advantage of their assets. Opposing QBs can expect plenty of purple pressure this fall. 

A Championship & Playoff Berth for the Taking 

The Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns left the Big 12 for the SEC as the Utah Utes, Colorado Buffaloes, Arizona Wildcats, and Arizona State Sun Devils will arrive to form what could be the most exciting league of the Power Four. And it’s a league the Wildcats can win. After all, they sport a sophomore who is arguably the most talented quarterback in the league. Not to mention a coach who has emerged as one of the best in the land.

Indeed, this could be the Year of the Cat in the 2024 Big 12 championship chase and, with that, a berth in the expanded College Football Playoff.

“Every Man a Wildcat” is not an empty phase in the Little Apple for 2024, as the big year beckons.