Avery Johnson asserting himself as a leader amid adversity, despite age

Avery Johnson is assuming the mantle of being the Kansas State starting quarterback this season. And that comes with a lot more than just needing to complete passes.

As the starting quarterback, Johnson will be looked to as a leader, even if he’s just in his second season with the Wildcats. It’s a responsibility he knows he needs to be ready for.

“I feel like the biggest thing is whenever adversity strikes, whether that’s in the weight room, or struggling in the warmup, or practice, or run, whatever it might be, just get in front of the team and be vocal,” Johnson said at Big 12 Media Days. “Encouraging guys, not bringing guys down but trying to pick them up and let them know to get back to our standard.”

Johnson appeared in eight games as a true freshman, mostly in cleanup duty. He attempted 66 passes, completing 37 for 479 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also got significant rushing upside, carrying 52 times for 296 yards and seven touchdowns — a 5.7 yards per carry clip.

Kansas State’s head coach is excited about another backfield weapon

Going into the 2024 season, there are big expectations on Kansas State and head coach Chris Klieman to compete at the top of the new-look Big 12.

One of the biggest reasons for those expectations is the team’s running back room. It’s headlined by DJ Giddens, but the team also supplemented the room by bringing in Dylan Edwards. He’s a player who Klieman believes gives Kansas State a home run threat.

“DJ Giddens. It starts with DJ. DJ, I think, is an all-conference type of player,” Chris Klieman said at Big 12 Media Days. “Had a tremendous year, 1,000-yard rusher, really physical runner, but he does everything as a running back. He can be an every down back. He catches the ball really well. Unbelievable in pass protection. Then we brought in Dylan Edwards from Colorado, that’s probably the home run threat we were missing.”

Dylan Edwards is a four-star recruit, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, in the 2023 cycle out of Derby, Kansas. He initially went to Colorado to play for Deion Sanders but transferred following the season. Now, he looks to be part of one of the best backfields in the Big 12.

“Whether it’s in the backfield, out of the backfield, in the return game,” Klieman said. “I’m excited for Dylan because he gets to come back home. K-State is home for him. He and Avery have known each other since they were kids and he will elevate our offense.”